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Physiological implications of AMPK activation on autophagy and mitophagy
We are seeking a talented postdoctoral fellow to work in the laboratory of Ian Ganley at the Medical Research Council’s Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU) in Dundee. This is part of a highly collaborative project led by Kei Sakamoto’s group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR, University of Copenhagen).
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of energy homeostasis and as such is a target for drugs designed to combat the growing epidemic of metabolic disorders. One consequence of a change in AMPK activity is an impact on cellular autophagy, a key catabolic pathway also implicated in metabolic disorders. However, the physiological significance in terms of AMPK activation and effects on tissue specific autophagy are largely unknown. The Ganley Lab has developed state-of-the-art models that allow a comparative analysis of autophagy and mitophagy in vivo (PMID: 30786807, 29337137, 27458135). With these, the successful candidate will utilise pharmacology and genetics, combined with high-resolution Airyscan microscopy and biochemical analyses, to determine how and when AMPK regulates autophagy and mitophagy with the hopes of identifying novel therapeutic strategies.
Candidate Requirements:
- PhD with outstanding academic track record and at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal.
- Strong background in animal models and cell biology would be highly beneficial.
- Capable of working in a team, but able to plan and work independently.
- Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language.
The position is fixed term, with funding currently available until 30 May 2024. Salary will depend on experience, but the appointment will be made on the University's Grade 7 salary scale.
An appointment may be considered if you are shortly expected to be awarded a PhD. In this case the initial appointment would be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale.
MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (PPU)
The successful applicants will have the opportunity to work in an exciting and collaborative research environment, equipped to the highest international standards. The MRC unit also collaborates with three major pharmaceutical companies that support the Division of Signal Transduction Therapy, which provides opportunities for interaction with industry and potential exploitation of new discoveries made in the lab. 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, which is one of the premier Life Sciences research Centres in the world. For further details please consult: http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR)
CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The establishment of the Center was made possible by a generous (DKK 885 million) unrestricted grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. In 2018 the Foundation awarded new strategic funding to the Center (DKK 700 million). The CBMR aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research that transforms the basic understanding of the mechanisms involved in metabolic health and disease, and to accelerate this knowledge toward new prevention and treatment strategies. This will be achieved via dynamic collaborative research projects that integrate different levels of exploration from single cell to whole body physiology, to effectively connect basic biological knowledge to translational and innovation outcomes. For further details please consult:
Additional Information:
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/
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 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.
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
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.