Postdoctoral Research Assistant at University of Dundee

We are recruiting for a driven individual to join us as a Postdoctoral Researcher within the laboratory of Prof. Dario Alessi to undertake fundamental research to understand the molecular basis of Parkinson’s disease through open and interdisciplinary collaborations. The work will focus on understanding the regulation and function of the LRRK2 signalling pathway and its interplay with other Parkinson’s disease components.

The project forms part of an international collaborative research initiative that involves significant collaboration with the laboratories of Prof. Suzanne Pfeffer and Dr. Monther Abu-Remaileh at Stanford University. In addition, there will be opportunity to interact with other laboratories worldwide involved in this initiative.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to be involved in world-class research projects and for the successful applicant to carve themselves a major international reputation. The successful applicant will have an opportunity to be trained and apply state-of-the-art techniques during the project.

Your priorities will include:

• Undertaking research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of neurodegeneration.
• Project development and implementation, including experimental design; identification and development of a broad range of techniques necessary to achieve the research.
• Working collaboratively and assisting with the training of PhD students and other lab members.
• Presenting scientific work at internal and external meetings.
• Contributing to the preparation of research for publication.

Candidate requirements:

• PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline with outstanding academic track record and a publication record in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong interest in signal transduction research and how disruptions of these pathways are linked to human disease.
• Strong background in biochemistry, cell biology and/or mass spectrometry.
• Strong ability to work independently but with excellent ability to work in a team, and an open and collaborative approach to science.
• Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language are essential.

This is a full-time position available for 12 months in the first instance with scope to extend for a further 2 years. The appointment will be made on University’s Grade 7 salary scale, dependent on experience.

School of Life Sciences (SLS):

The MRC PPU is based within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, a world-class academic institution with a reputation for the excellence of its research, its high-quality teaching and student experience, and the strong impact of its activities outside academia. With 900 staff from over 60 countries worldwide the school provides a dynamic, multi-national, collegiate, and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology and teaching facilities.

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.