Summary of Job Purpose and Principal Duties

John Rouse’s lab is interested in how cells sense, signal and repair damaged DNA, and how they cope when DNA damage – or other obstacles – block DNA replication. The goal of the lab is to work out the molecular mechanisms underlying DNA damage signalling and repair, and how these processes are controlled by post-translational modifications. Another major ambition is identifying new anti-cancer drug targets in the DDR arena.

We are looking for a bright, driven, ambitious individual to join our team to work on new regulators of the cellular response to DNA that have emerged from our work in recent experiments. We use a range of approaches to characterize DDR regulators, genetic, biochemical and cell biology. We have excellent cloning, genome editing, antibody production and protein production support teams to help our efforts.

The Rouse lab is based in the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), based within the College 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 role of the protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in cell signaling (http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/).

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, but the initial appointment will be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale until the PhD has been awarded.

Candidate Requirements:

• PhD with an 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 in mammalian cell work and/or DNA damage signalling/repair

Additional Information:

We are one of the UK’s leading universities – internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Conveniently located on the banks of River Tay, our main city-centre campus is at the heart of Dundee - an up-and-coming, friendly, compact and affordable city with a rich heritage in design and technology. Just a short walk from the V&A Museum of Design Dundee, we’re close to both the train and bus stations. We also have campuses at Ninewells Hospital and in Kirkcaldy which are easily accessible via local transport links.

The University of Dundee is a signatory of the Researcher Development Concordat and is committed to enhancing the research environment and culture. Engagement and support of activities which assist the researcher development agenda at the University is therefore essential.

For further information about this position please contact Professor John Rouse at j.rouse@dundee.ac.uk. To find out more about MRC PPU please visit https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk.

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.