Join Us | Postdoctoral Research Assistant with MIratul Muqit

with

Reference Number
SLSC0418
Closing Date
Salary
Grade 7 (£31,604 - £38,833)

Mitochondrial and Membrane Trafficking mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease in the laboratory of Dr Miratul Muqit, at the University of Dundee. Dr Muqit is a Physician-Scientist whose lab funding includes the Wellcome Trust and EMBO.

The understanding of Parkinson’s disease has been revolutionised by the discovery of genes that when mutated lead to Parkinson’s. The Muqit laboratory has made fundamental advances in how two genes PINK1 and Parkin coordinate a mitochondrial quality control pathway in cells and their work has helped explain how disease mutants disrupt this pathway to cause Parkinson’s. The lab has recently developed primary neuronal systems to uncover new knowledge on the PINK1 biology (manuscript under review at EMBO Mol Med).


Applications are invited for postdoctoral positions to explore the regulation and biology of PINK1 and Parkin. In particular very little is known on the upstream regulation of the PINK1 kinase. These studies have the potential to transform our understanding of the molecular basis of Parkinson’s disease-linked neurodegeneration and the candidate’s research may ultimately be exploited to improve diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients.

The successful applicant will have access to state-of-the-art technologies in biochemistry, proteomics, genome editing, cell biology, and transgenic mouse models to uncover new fundamental knowledge on these key molecules. The lab houses a newly refurbished suite for primary neuron culture studies and have strong collaborations with world-leading clinicians, pathologist and stem cell biologists to enable validation of findings to Parkinson’s disease models and brain tissues. The MRC unit also collaborates with three major pharmaceutical companies that support the Division of Signal Transduction Therapy that provides opportunities to exploit the therapeutic potential of new discoveries made in the lab.

This position is available for 3 years in the first instance.

Candidate requirements:

- PhD with an outstanding track record and at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal.

- Strong background in any one of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Membrane Biology, Molecular Biology, Signal Transduction would be

preferable.

- Capable of working in a team, but able to plan and work independently.

- Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.

Appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the Grade 7 salary scale is dependent upon you having been awarded a PhD. An appointment may be considered if you are shortly expected to be awarded a PhD. The initial appointment will be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale (Spinal Point 28, £30,688).

For informal enquiries please contact Miratul Muqit m.muqit@dundee.ac.uk.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee one of the top universities in the UK. Family friendly policies, staff support networks for BME and LGBT staff, membership of Athena Swan and Stonewall, as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

Application:
To apply on-line please visit: www.dundee.ac.uk/jobs. If you are unable to apply on-line please contact Human Resources on (01382) 386209 (answering machine) for an application pack. Please quote reference number
Reference Number
SLSC0418
.
The University of Dundee is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The University of Dundee is a diverse community and is committed to equality of opportunity for all by providing a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment. We have family friendly policies (including flexible working and childcare vouchers), staff groups for LGBT and BME; and prayer room facilities.

The University of Dundee has received the Athena SWAN Bronze Award which recognises the promotion of gender equality and has made further commitment to advancing inclusive culture which supports and encourages all under-represented groups.

The University of Dundee is a Scottish Registered Charity, No. SC015096.