The Rouse lab is interested in how cells sense, signal and repair damaged DNA, and how they cope when DNA damage – or other obstacles – blocks the process of 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 phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Disrupting DNA repair causes human disease, and yet inhibiting DNA repair pathways acutely is an important way of killing tumours. In this light, several of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents kill tumours by inducing DNA damage.

A range of projects are on offer. Some of these projects build on preliminary data pointing to new mechanisms for protecting genome integrity. Others relate to new candidate DNA repair proteins. We are looking for bright enthusiastic individuals to join our tern to investigate the molecular functions of these proteins and their relevance to human disease. The Rouse team has a track record in identifying and characterising new regulators of genome stability including the FAN1 nuclease (Cell 142, 65-76; Science 351, 846-849; Genes Dev. 30, 639-644), the SLX4 complex of nucleases (Mol. Cell 35, 116-127), the MMS22L-TONSL complex (Mol. Cell 40, 632-644) and DVC1 (Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 19, 1093-1100), and most recently a new Fanconi anemia gene RFWD3 (Mol. Cell 66, 610-621). We use a range of approaches – biochemistry, genetics and cell biology – to tackle the questions we are trying to answer.

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. The MRC-PPU is one of the world’s most renowned centres for research on protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. The Unit has state-of-the-art facilities and services including dedicated cloning, protein production and antibody production teams, making more time for research.

Candidate requirements:

• PhD with excellent academic track record and at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal.
• Ability to work as part of a team, but able to plan and work independently
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English
• A background in biochemistry, molecular biology and analysis of DNA repair in eukaryotes is desirable

These are full-time three-year positions, each with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Informal enquiries or applications should be directed to Prof. John Rouse at j.rouse@dundee.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 are shortly expected to be awarded a PhD. The initial appointment will be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale (Spinal Point 28, £30,175).