Project: Understanding the molecular basis of FAM83-CK1 interaction and how FAM83G/PAWS1-CK1 interaction influences WNT signalling and the pathogenesis of palmoplantar hyperkeratosis.

The Sapkota lab situated within the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU) is inviting applications for one MRC-funded postdoctoral position to explore how FAM83G/PAWS1-CK1 interaction regulates WNT signalling and how PAWS1 mutations that abolish association with CK1 underlie the pathogenesis of palmoplantar keratoderma. This project builds on the recent findings from the Sapkota lab that uncovered the poorly characterised FAM83 family of proteins as key regulators of protein kinase CK1 family. Considered constitutively active kinases, the CK1 isoforms play critical roles in many cellular processes, during development and are often misregulated in human disease. Understanding how FAM83 family of proteins regulate CK1 isoforms holds promise for targeting specific pools of CK1 isoforms in cells.

This position is available for up to 3 years.

The MRC PPU is one of the world’s most renowned centres for research on protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation and has an exciting and collaborative research environment, equipped to the highest international standards. 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; and 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 located in a beautiful setting overlooking the estuary of the River Tay and embedded within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee. This is one of the premier Life Sciences research centres in the world and was recently assessed as the top UK University for Life Sciences research in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Candidate requirements:

- PhD with an outstanding track record and at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal.
- Strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, signal transduction and structural biology.
- Capable of working in a diverse team, but able to plan and work independently.
- Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.

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, £31,866).

For informal enquiries please contact Gopal Sapkota g.sapkota@dundee.ac.uk.

For details on the Sapkota lab research, current and past lab members and publications please visit our websites:
https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/research/principal-investigator/gopal-sapkota
https://sites.dundee.ac.uk/sapkota-lab/

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.