Post-doctoral position: Characterisation of physiological substrates of the NEK1 kinase complex and the functional impact of disease-causing mutations

The Rouse lab is interested in how cells sense, signal and repair damaged DNA, and how they cope with DNA damage. 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.

We are looking for a bright enthusiastic individual to join our team to investigate the roles, substrates and regulation of the NEK1 kinase, and a new NEK1 regulatory subunit we have identified. The project builds on exciting recent preliminary data from phospho–proteomic screens and functional studies carried out in the Rouse lab. The project will also investigate the impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated mutations in NEK1 and its regulatory subunit on the functions of this kinase in the DNA damage response and other aspects of cell function. The project is funded by the Motor Neuron Disease Association.

The Rouse lab is based in the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), based within the School 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 signalling (http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/).

The position is fixed-term. Salary will be dependent on experience, but the appointment will be made on the University's Grade 7 salary scale between £32,817 - £35,845).

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 (Spinal Point 28, £31,866) until the PhD has been awarded.

Candidate Requirements:

• PhD with 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 phosphorylation analysis and/or DNA damage signalling

College / School / Directorate 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.

Additional Information:

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. John Rouse at j.rouse@dundee.ac.uk