We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as a Postdoctoral Researcher in mass spectrometry and proteomics, within the laboratories of Raja Nirujogi, Esther Sammler and Dario Alessi in the MRC PPU, to use next-generation proteomics to uncover the molecular basis of Parkinson’s disease. This is a fixed-term appointment for 3 years.

Parkinson's disease affects more than ten million people worldwide, yet there is still no treatment that slows or prevents disease progression. We are seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to lead the proteomics component of an ambitious international research programme funded by Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP). Working at the interface of cell biology, neuroscience and quantitative proteomics, you will use state-of-the-art mass spectrometry to uncover how the major genetic causes of Parkinson's disease remodel the lysosomal system, identify new biomarkers and reveal opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

This is far more than a traditional postdoctoral position. The successful candidate will help shape the proteomics strategy of a flagship international programme and will have considerable freedom to develop new technologies, pursue exciting biological questions and establish an international scientific profile.

The science and why it matters
A growing body of genetic and biological evidence points to dysfunction of the lysosomal and endolysosomal system as a central driver of Parkinson's disease. Our goal is to build the first comprehensive molecular atlas of Parkinson's lysosomes. Using cutting-edge organelle proteomics, phosphoproteomics, ubiquitylomics and emerging single-cell technologies, we aim to define how the major Parkinson's disease genes including LRRK2, GBA1, VPS35 and α-synuclein reprogramme lysosomal biology and ultimately drive neurodegeneration. Funded through ASAP and built around a major collaboration with Stanford University, the programme combines
world-leading expertise in signal transduction, lysosome biology, clinical neurology and quantitative mass spectrometry to move seamlessly from mechanism to biomarker discovery and therapeutic opportunity. This is a rare opportunity to help define how lysosomal dysfunction drives Parkinson's disease while working with one of the world's most advanced proteomics platforms.

One of the world's most advanced proteomics platforms
You will have access to Orbitrap Astral, Orbitrap Exploris 480, Orbitrap Lumos and timsTOF SCP instruments anchored to Vanquish-Neo and EvoSep LC systems, supported by fully automated sample preparation using Agilent Bravo, Thermo KingFisher and cellenONE Neo-X1 platforms. Together these technologies enable ultra-sensitive quantitative proteomics from purified organelles, rare neuronal populations, patient-derived samples and single cells.

The team and environment
You will work across the laboratories of Dr Raja Nirujogi, Dr Esther Sammler and Professor Dario Alessi within the MRC Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit. The MRC PPU is internationally recognised as one of the world's leading centres for signal transduction research. The programme brings together leading laboratories across the UK, Stanford University and the international ASAP network, providing outstanding opportunities for collaboration, networking and career development.

What you'll do
• Develop and apply next-generation organelle proteomics workflows, including Lyso-IP.
• Generate deep quantitative proteomic, phosphoproteomic and ubiquitylomic datasets from
organelles, mouse models, patient-derived samples and human brain tissue.
• Establish ultra-sensitive proteomics workflows for rare neuronal populations and single-cell analysis.
• Define how Parkinson's disease mutations remodel lysosomal biology.
• Analyse large-scale datasets using Python, R and open-source computational tools.
• Publish discoveries in leading international journals.
• Mentor students and contribute to the scientific direction of the programme.

What we offer
• One of the world's best-equipped academic proteomics environments.
• Leadership of the proteomics component of a major international Parkinson's disease programme.
• Collaborations with Stanford University and the global ASAP network.
• Advanced training in quantitative proteomics, computational biology and leadership.
• Support for independent research development.
• Visa sponsorship and relocation support for international applicants.
• Eligibility for ASAP Care & Career Program family-care support.

Your priorities will include:
• Develop next generation mass spectrometry-based proteomics and post-translational modification (PTM)
workflows including single cell proteomics
• Apply organelle isolation workflows in generating high-resolution proteomics and PTM datasets
• Able to use well established database search engines such as DIA-NN, MS-Fragger and Spectronaut and
subsequent data analysis using R/Python
• Dissemination of sample preparation protocols, data openly and through peer-reviewed publications
• Participate in collaborative research and advising undergraduate and PhD students.

Who we’re looking for:

You will have:
• A PhD (awarded or near completion) in a relevant discipline.
• A strong publication record, including a first-author publications(s) appropriate to career stage.
• Expertise in Two or more areas of:
- Quantitative mass spectrometry and computational proteomics
- Biochemistry and interest in signal transduction and/or translational research.
- Hands-on experience with Orbitrap and/or timsTOF instrumentation.
- Experience in analyzing proteomics datasets using Python or R.

Desirable
• Experience with biomarker studies or clinical samples.
• Interest in neurodegeneration and translational science.

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. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Faculties), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

For further information about this position please contact:
Raja Nirujogi – r.nirujogi@dundee.ac.uk
Esther Sammler – e.m.sammler@dundee.ac.uk
Dario Alessi – d.r.alessi@dundee.ac.uk

Commitment to DORA
The Faculty of Life Sciences has been fully committed to the principals of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) since 2013. In assessing applicants, we consider the scientific quality of their published research papers, but do not take into account where the papers were published and do not consider journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors.

As an internationally diverse institution, we welcome job applicants from all countries and nationalities. The Faculty 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.