Postdoctoral Research Assistant – MRC PPU

Description of the Position:

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to pursue an exciting collaborative project between Dr Greg Findlay in the MRC.

Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, and Prof Helen Walden FRSE at the University of Glasgow.

The goal of this project is to understand at the molecular level how signal transduction is disrupted to cause intellectual disability, which is a major healthcare challenge world-wide. Recent data indicates that genes encoding signalling enzymes such as E3 ubiquitin ligases are frequently mutated in intellectual disability, suggesting that these components form novel signalling pathways that are required for neurological functioning and disrupted in patients. In this vein, research by the Findlay lab has identified an axis comprising the RNF12/RLIM E3 ubiquitin ligase and an upstream kinase SRPK as a paradigm for intellectual disability signalling. This project now aims to dissect in atomic detail mechanisms underpinning regulation of the SRPK-RNF12 axis, and to defi! ne how ge ne variants identified from intellectual disability patients disrupt this pathway. An overarching goal of the project is to uncover much-needed therapeutic opportunities in this area.

The successful candidate will utilise exciting new tools to expand on our recent progress in dissecting molecular networks that are disrupted in intellectual disability. Approaches to be employed include cutting edge biochemistry and structural analysis using cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM). The postdoctoral researcher will be embedded within two diverse teams with track records in structural analysis of the ubiquitin system and dissecting intellectual disability signalling networks.

To find out more about our research, please visit;

www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/research/principal-investigator/greg-findlay – www.gla.ac.uk/schools/molecularbiosciences/staff/helenwalden

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit:

The Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU, www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk) is a top- tier research institute conveniently located in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, which is the UK’s leading university in life science research. Research Groups within the MRC PPU focus on understanding how protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation control fundamental aspects of human health and how disruption of these cellular signal! s results in disease.

Your priorities will include:

• Protein expression, purification and enzyme activity assays
• Employing CryoEM for structural analysis of protein complexes
• Exploring structural findings in cell-based models
• Advising and mentoring undergraduate and PhD students
• Presenting your research at lab meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Writing manuscripts for publication

Candidate requirements:

• A PhD (or close to completion of a PhD) in cell signalling or any other area of cell and molecular biology
• An understanding of the principles of protein expression/purification is essential
• Expertise in structural biology or biochemistry is desirable
• Capable of working in a diverse team, but able to work independently
• Excellent communication skills