Join Us | Postdoctoral Research Assistant

with

Reference Number
SLSC0939
Closing Date
Salary
Grade 7 (£33,309 - £40,927)

We are recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the laboratory of Dr Kirby Swatek. The goal of the Swatek lab is to understand the antiviral roles of a ubiquitin-like modifier called Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 (ISG15). As its name suggests, ISG15 is highly upregulated in interferon-treated and virus-infected cells, and labels thousands of proteins to contribute to the host immune response. However, the mechanisms underlying ISG15’s contribution to antiviral immunity is largely unknown. This project focuses on the structural analysis of the writers, readers, and erasers of the ISG15 system. The postdoc will utilise several exciting new tools and reagents in the lab and expand on our recent progress in the area. A significant portion of the structural work will be performed using a Glacios Cryo Transmission Electron Microscope (Cryo-TEM) located in the School of Life Sciences. The project complements our efforts to understand the physiological roles of ISG15 modifications, and therefore, the successful applicant will have several opportunities for internal and external collaborations.

For informal enquiries or discussions, please contact Dr Kirby Swatek (kswatek001@dundee.ac.uk).

This is a 2-year MRC-funded position with a possibility of extension. The position will be on the University of Dundee Grade 7 salary scale.

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. In this case the initial appointment would be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale

Candidate Requirements:

  • PhD (or will complete your PhD studies within six months of the application deadline).
  • A track record of academic success.
  • Expertise in cryo-EM and/or X-ray crystallography is highly desirable.
  • Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and purification of multiprotein complexes.
  • A strong background in immune signalling and ubiquitin biology would be advantageous.
  • The ability to collaborate with a small multidisciplinary team of enthusiastic scientists.
  • Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit
The Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU, http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/) is a top-tier research institute conveniently located in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, a leading university in life science research. Research Groups within the MRC PPU focus on understanding how protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation control fundamental aspects of human health and how disruption of these cellular signals results in disease.

Additional Information:

For information on our values:
https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/Equity-Diversity-and-Inclusion

For information on life in Dundee:
https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/join-us/life-in-dundee

To learn more about our research:

https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/research

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.

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
SLSC0939
.
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.