Job Description

School/Section
Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition
Division
Institute of Medical Sciences
Staff Category
Research
Position Type
Full Time
Grade
Grade 6
Salary
38,249 - 41,671
Ref No
IMS312R
Closing Date
30-SEP-2025

We seek a Research Fellow to work on mechanisms of human chromosome stability in the laboratory of Professor Anne Donaldson & Dr Shin-ichiro Hiraga. The successful candidate will join a well-funded, dynamic research team within an interactive group of laboratories sharing an interest in chromosome biology.

DNA replication is central to life, with defects in this process a major cause of disease. Decades of study have revealed how phosphorylation of the replication machinery drives replication initiation. Dephosphorylation by protein phosphatases is also essential for DNA replication, but we do not understand why. Phosphatases are implicated in controlling the replication temporal programme, cell recovery from replication interruption, and replication protein recycling. However even for these established functions, we lack understanding of substrates dephosphorylated and their effects. These gaps in knowledge limit opportunities for therapeutic intervention.



We aim to understand how Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) controls DNA replication. PP1 is targeted to substrates by a series of regulatory interactors, including RIF1 and NIPP1, which control the replication programme and recovery from DNA damage. The aim of this research programme is to identify the molecular and structural basis of these controls, and to understand the mechanisms through which PP1 regulates normal and interrupted DNA replication.



Our lab uses yeast and human cell lines to investigate molecular roles of conserved genome stability components required for eukaryotic chromosome maintenance. We have successfully combined cell biology studies in human cell lines with molecular genetic analysis of budding yeast, to build understanding of eukaryotic chromosome maintenance. This position available is funded by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award, with the long-term goal of translating fundamental understanding to benefit human health.



Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6, 38,249 - 41,671 per annum, pro rata, with placement according to qualifications and experience.


Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Anne Donaldson (a.d.donaldson@abdn.ac.uk).



Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.



Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.



Please do not hesitate to contact Grant Rae, HR Adviser (e-mail: grant.rae@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.



To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs


Job Reference Number: IMS312R


The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 September 2025.



Early applications are encouraged as the advert may be closed sooner if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date.


The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

Please Note

If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.


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