Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Grade 7 (£29,541-£36,298)

Closing Date: 25 November 2013

Postdoctoral position in the Laboratory of Professor Karim Labib, to study the mechanisms and regulation of chromosome replication in eukaryotic cells.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work in the laboratory of Karim Labib, to study how the chromosome replication machinery in eukaryotes is regulated by phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, in order to preserve genome integrity.

We have found that components of the replisome are regulated by phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, both during the normal process of chromosome replication, and also in response to replication defects that activate the protein kinases of the ‘S-phase checkpoint pathway’.

The aim of the project will be to understand the mechanisms that underlie this regulation, allowing eukaryotic cells to regulate replisome function and preserve genome integrity. Progress in this area could ultimately be exploited to devise improved strategies to treat human diseases such as cancer.

The successful applicants will use a state-of-the-art blend of biochemistry, mass spectrometry and genetics. There will also be strong opportunities for interactions with the six major Pharmaceutical companies that support the Division of Signal Transduction Therapy (DSTT see http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/overview/DSTT.php), which aim to accelerate the exploitation of any discoveries made within the unit.

The position is available for 3 years. For informal enquiries please contact Karim Labib (kpmlabib@dundee.ac.uk). For further details on the research of Karim Labib’s laboratory (http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/research/?pid=1012) and publications (http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/research/?pid=1012&sub1=publications) please peruse the indicated website links.

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU):

This project will be performed in the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, 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/). 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 is 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, and has a particular strength in the area of genome integrity.

Candidate requirements:

PhD with strong academic track record, and at least one first-author publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journalStrong background in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Genetics would be preferableStrong interest in the area of genome integrity and chromosome biologyExperience of working with yeast would be advantageous but is not essentialCapable of working in a team, but able to plan and work independentlyExcellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language are essentialThe candidate should be highly ambitious and will aim to develop and publish independent research projects

To apply for this post, please click on the Apply button below.

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