Job Description

Closing date

Thursday, 30 October 2025, 23:59

Salary

37,174 - 40,497 per annum

Grade 7

Contract type

Fixed Term

24 Months

Campus
City
School/Directorate
School of Life Sciences
Unit/Department
MRC PPU
The

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU)

is a world-renowned centre dedicated to understanding how protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation control cell regulation and human disease. Its mission is to uncover the molecular basis of disease, accelerate drug discovery, and train the next generation of biomedical researchers.



Based within the University of Dundee's

School of Life Sciences (SLS)

, the Unit benefits from a vibrant, international environment of more than 900 staff representing over 60 nationalities and supported by state-of-the-art laboratory and technology facilities.



We are seeking a highly motivated

Postdoctoral Researcher

to investigate the

molecular mechanisms by which WNK family protein kinases are activated by osmotic stress and regulated by the NRBP1 family of pseudokinases

. The overarching goal is to understand how these signalling pathways integrate osmotic stress responses with the control of human ion homeostasis and blood pressure.



Recent evidence also suggests that

NRBP1 interacts with the ubiquitylation machinery

. A key focus of this project will therefore be to determine whether NRBP1 regulates ubiquitylation of WNK1 pathway components and to define the functional consequences of this regulation. The successful applicant will also study the

assembly, regulation, and function of NRBP1-WNK1 complexes

, including their expression and purification for mechanistic analysis.

Essential and desirable expertise

Applicants should have prior experience in the following areas:


WNK1 signalling pathway or ion homeostasis and blood pressure regulation

Mechanistic cell biology, employing molecular, biochemical, physiological, pharmacological, genetic, and/or mass-spectrometry-based approaches

Protein purification, structural biology, and characterization of multiprotein complexes

Strong understanding of protein kinase and ubiquitylation signalling

Key responsibilities

Lead a research project using appropriate experimental approaches

Develop and implement experimental design and techniques to achieve research aims

Collaborate with research colleagues and support staff within the Unit

Provide guidance and mentorship to students and research staff

Contribute to preparation of research reports and publications

Candidate profile

Applicants must hold a

PhD in a relevant discipline

, with a strong academic record and at least one first-authored publication (submitted or published). Expertise in biochemistry, physiology, mass spectrometry, cell or molecular biology, structural biology, or bioinformatics is required. A strong interest in

signal transduction and disease mechanisms

is essential, and experience in collaborative or interdisciplinary research is highly desirable. Excellent teamwork, communication, and organisational skills are expected.

Further information

For informal enquiries, please contact

Prof. Dario Alessi

(mailto:d.r.alessi@dundee.ac.uk). For details on the MRC-PPU, visit https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk.


The School of Life Sciences supports the

San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), evaluating candidates based on scientific quality rather than journal metrics. The University of Dundee is proud of its international and inclusive community, supported by family-friendly policies, equality charters, and networks for BME, Disabled, and LGBT+ staff