A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Yogesh Kulathu at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit at the University of Dundee.

Work in the Kulathu lab is focussed on understanding the mechanisms by which protein quality control and proteostasis are regulated by the ubiquitin system. We are particularly interested in understanding how aberrant proteins are recognized by the quality control machinery and tagged for degradation and the role of deubiquitinases in fine tuning protein degradation. Failure to degrade aberrant proteins in a timely manner can be toxic to a cell and result in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and highlights the need to understand pathways regulating protein degradation in greater detail.

The Kulathu lab uses a multidisciplinary approach in their research and employ techniques ranging from structural approaches to yeast genetics and cell biology to elucidate pathways and mechanisms by which cells degrade proteins and maintain proteostasis. The lab has recently uncovered a novel mechanism that cells use to fine tune protein degradation. We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated researchers to undertake exciting and cutting-edge research using yeast genetics and biochemical strategies to elucidate this evolutionarily conserved pathway in detail, and translate the findings to mammalian cell systems.

The Kulathu Lab are a fun and culturally diverse group of students and postdocs. We provide a learning, collaborative and supportive environment to work in. Research in this lab is supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC), European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant, Lister Research Prize and EMBO Young Investigator Programme.

The position is available for 3 years in the first instance. Informal enquiries may be directed to ykulathu@dundee.ac.uk

Candidate requirements:

We invite applications from talented and motivated individuals with a PhD (or nearing completion of their PhD) with previous training in yeast biology and a strong background in biochemistry. Interests in one or more of the following areas: ubiquitylation, protein quality control, neurodegeneration and signal transduction mechanisms regulated by posttranslational modifications, are desirable. The candidate should have a track record of research productivity, enthusiasm for research and excellent communication skills. It is expected that the candidate will develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (PPU):

This project will be performed in the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), based within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee. 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.

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, £31,302).

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.