Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Position in cell signalling, mitochondria, and autophagy mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease in the laboratory of Miratul Muqit, at the University of Dundee.

Applications are invited for a Wellcome Trust funded postdoctoral position to explore the mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease. Recent advances in the Muqit laboratory has centred on protein kinase and ubiquitin E3 ligase pathways and mitochondrial biology. Potential projects will focus on identifying new components that regulate mechanisms of cell death in Parkinson’s and will utilise state-of-the-art proteomics and CRISPR genome editing technology that are routinely used in the lab. There is also excellent facilities for mouse and primary cell studies including primary neuron culture. These projects address questions at the forefront of Parkinson’s disease-linked neurodegeneration and successful candidates will be mentored for career development towards independence.

The laboratory is part-funded by EMBO and successful applicants will have access to EMBO sponsored opportunities for training and self-development. The MRC unit also collaborates with three major pharmaceutical companies that support the Division of Signal Transduction Therapy that provides opportunities for interaction with industry and potential exploitation of new discoveries made in the lab.

The position is available until June 2023 in the first instance.

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 would be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale (Spinal Point 25 - 28, £29,176 - £31,866).

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 Cell Signalling, Neurobiology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry would be preferable.
• Capable of working in a team, but able to plan and work independently.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.

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

For details on the Muqit lab please visit our website: http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/research/?pid=11.

The Muqit lab is based in the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), one of the world’s most renowned centres for research on protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation (http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk) and is an exciting and collaborative research environment, equipped to the highest international standards. The major aims of the MRC-PPU are to advance understanding of the role of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in cell regulation and human disease; to facilitate the development of drugs to treat diseases caused by abnormalities in phosphorylation; and to generate reagents and improve technologies. Another key remit of the MRC-PPU is to train the next generation of scientists who will advance our understanding in this crucial area of medical research. The MRC-PPU is in a beautiful location overlooking the estuary of the River Tay and embedded within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee. This is one of the premier Life Sciences research centres in the world and was recently assessed as the top UK University for Life Sciences research in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

The University's statement on the use of animals in research can be found here: https://www.dundee.ac.uk/research/governance-policy/policyroadmap/statement-on-use-of-animals/

To apply on-line please visit: www.dundee.ac.uk/jobs

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 (http://www.dundee.ac.uk/about/athenaswan/) 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.