Appointment: Recent ground-breaking work undertaken in the laboratory of Dario Alessi in collaboration with other groups has revealed that LRRK2 Parkinson’s kinase regulates Rab GTPases (doi: 10.7554/eLife.12813; doi: 10.7554/eLife.12813; doi: 10.1042/BCJ20170803; doi: 10.1042/BCJ20170802; doi: 10.15252/embj.201798099; doi: 10.1126/science.aar5683; doi: 10.1042/BCJ20180248).

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work in the laboratory of Dario Alessi to advance understanding of the LRRK2 signaalling network and its role in Parkinson’s disease. In particular the aim of this project will be to undertake screens to identify then characterize novel components control the LRRK2 protein kinase network and study how these are linked to Parkinson’s disease. This project will involve significant collaboration with researchers based at the University of Stanford, Michael J Fox Foundation and the Pharmaceutical industry.

Knowledge gleaned from this research could ultimately be exploited to devise improved strategies to better treat and diagnose Parkinson’s disease.

The successful applicant will deploy a state-of-the-art blend of biochemical, proteomic, pharmacological and genetic methodologies including CRISPR/CAS9 knock-out and knock-in technology.

For informal enquiries please contact Dario Alessi d.r.alessi@dundee.ac.uk. For further details on Alessi laboratory research and publications, please peruse the indicated website links.

Candidate requirements:

• PhD with outstanding academic track record and at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal.
• Strong background in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Signal Transduction would be preferable.
• Experience and strong interest in signal transduction research and how disruptions of these pathways are linked to human disease.
• Capable of working in a team, but able to plan and work independently.
• Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language are essential.
• The candidate should have ambitions to become a future star independent researcher either in academia or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.

The position is available for 3 years.

The position will be on the University of Dundee Grade 7 scale points 29-31 only (£32,236 - £34,189 per annum).

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).

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 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. Many world leading researchers in the field of signal transduction have trained within the MRC-PPU. The major aims of the MRC-PPU are to advance understanding of the role of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in cell regulation and human disease, to facilitate the development of drugs to treat diseases caused by abnormalities in phosphorylation, to generate reagents and improve technologies. Another key remit of the MRC PPU is to train the next generation of scientists who will advance our understanding in this crucial area of medical research. The MRC PPU is in a beautiful location overlooking the estuary of the River Tay and embedded within the College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee which is one of the premier Life Sciences research Centres in the world.

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.