Post-doctoral position: Control of transcription elongation by the DNA damage-regulated kinase CDKL5 kinase in heath and disease

John Rouse’s lab is interested in how cells sense, signal and repair damaged DNA, and how they cope when DNA damage blocks transcription or DNA replication. The goal of the lab is to work out the molecular mechanisms underlying key responses to DNA damage, and how these processes are controlled by phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Through screening the kinome for DNA damage responsive kinases, we found that the human CDKL5 kinase controls transcriptional activity at unscheduled DNA breaks. We recently discovered that CDKL5 controls transcriptional elongation of a range of genes even without exogenous DNA damage, and we now wish to build on a body of unpublished data to study connections between endogenous DNA breaks, poly ADP ribose, CDKL5 and transcriptional control. We’re also keen to understand how disrupting these mechanisms could lead to diseases such as CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) and epilepsy.

We are looking for a bright, enthusiastic individuals to join our team to work on this project, which will be for three years in the first instance. The Rouse lab is based in the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, overlooking the estuary of the River Tay. The MRC-PPU is one of the world’s leading centres for research on protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation (http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/).

Candidate Requirements:

• PhD with excellent academic track record
• Ability to work as part of a team, but able to plan and work independently
• Excellent communication skills
• A strong background DNA damage signalling/repair and/or transcription and/or protein kinase function in mammalian cells

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 have submitted a PhD thesis. In this instance, the initial appointment will be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale (Spinal Point 28, £31,866) until the PhD has been awarded.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. John Rouse at j.rouse@dundee.ac.uk

Additional Information:

As an internationally diverse institution, we welcome job applicants from all countries and nationalities. The School of Life Sciences is proud to employ staff from over 40 different nations.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.