Grade 7 (£29,541 – £36,298)

Postdoctoral position in the laboratory of Dr. Yogesh Kulathu at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, The Sir James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Scotland.

A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the lab of Dr. Yogesh Kulathu to study the structural basis of how different polyubiquitin modifications are used as distinct cellular signals. Using X-ray crystallography and other structural methods you will study the molecular mechanisms underlying the decoding of different ubiquitin signals and how signalling enzymes are regulated by ubiquitylation. Polyubiquitylation regulates diverse cellular functions and this versatility is achieved by the ability of ubiquitin to assemble eight structurally distinct ubiquitin polymers by linking ubiquitin molecules via one of seven lysine residues or the N-terminus. At present we only have limited knowledge of the cellular functions of some of these linkage types and the enzymes and mechanisms by which the different ubiquitin chain types are regulated. Broadly, the lab uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand the underlying biochemical and structural mechanisms in ubiquitin signalling, ultimately to discover new signalling nodes and pathways regulated by different ubiquitin modifications.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual with experience in protein crystallography and wanting to work on interesting structural and mechanistic questions related to signal transduction. The laboratory is well equipped for protein production and purification and has access to extensive crystallographic resources such as automated robotic crystallization and the latest model of Rigaku X-ray generator with sample changer. We also have regular synchrotron access to ESRF and Diamond.

In addition, the successful candidate will benefit from the cutting edge facilities in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, drug discovery, and proteomics available within the College of Life Sciences.

This position is available for 3 years.

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 (http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/). 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.

Candidate requirements:

• PhD with outstanding academic track record and at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal
• Experience in recombinant protein purification, crystallization, data collection and structure determination is required. In addition a strong background in Biochemistry and an interest in Signal Transduction would be preferable
• Ability to work in a team, but able to plan and work independently
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English

Informal enquiries may be made to Yogesh Kulathu: y.kulathu@dundee.ac.uk