Job Description

Closing date

Monday, 5 January 2026, 23:59

Salary

30,805 - 37,174 per annum

Grade 6

Contract type

Fixed Term

6 Months

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

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU):

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. A 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.

School of Life Sciences (SLS):

The MRC PPU is based within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, a world-class academic institution with a reputation for the excellence of its research, its high-quality teaching and student experience, and the strong impact of its activities outside academia. With 900 staff from over 60 countries worldwide the School provides a dynamic, multi-national, collegiate and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology and teaching facilities.

Division of Signal Transduction Unit (DSTT):

The Division of Signal Transduction Therapy (DSTT) was established in 1998. This division operates as a unique collaboration between scientists in the MRC PPU and signalling researchers at the University of Dundee's School of Life Sciences and the pharmaceutical industry. The DSTT is widely regarded as a model for how academia should interact with industry. The DSTT operates as a simple bridging mechanism to enable our PIs working on ubiquitylation and phosphorylation to effectively interact with major pharmaceutical companies to help accelerate the early stages of drug discovery.





We are recruiting an exceptional individual to join as a

Research Technician

in the laboratory of Prof Gopal Sapkota.

This is a fixed-term appointment for 6 months.

We are looking to identify substrates of protein phosphatase PPP3CA and PPP3CB in human cells. This project aims to generate cell lines in which PPP3CA and PPP3CB will be knocked in with dTAG and bromoTAG degrons, respectively, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. This will allow us to acutely and simultaneously degrade PPP3CA and PPP3CB proteins by PROTACs directed at dTAG and bromoTAG. At the same time, the project also aims to generate PPP3CA and PPP3CB gene knockouts. It is also hoped that the candidate will then be able to take some of these cells and undertake an unbiased phospho-proteomic analysis, with the help of MRC PPU mass spectrometry service, to identify PPP3CA and PPP3CB substrates.


Your priorities will include:


Identification of cell lines to be used for CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing based on bioinformatic data available on expression of PPP3CA and PPP3CB isoforms. Design and perform CRSIPR/Cas9 knock-in and knockout experiments. Validate the CRISPR/Cas9 clones via immunoblots, PCR and DNA sequencing Evaluate degradation of PPP3CA and PPP3CB proteins by using PROTACs directed at dTAG and bromoTAG and determine optimal conditions. Undertake total and phospho-proteomic analysis to evaluate specificity and consequences of PPP3CA and PPP3CB degradation. Collate data and analyse. Dissemination of findings at regular lab meetings.
Candidate requirements:


Hold a BSc and/or MSc in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Proteomics or a related discipline with outstanding academic track record. Have a strong background of working in a research lab Have knowledge and experience of generating knockout and knockin cells using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing Have a strong interest in signal transduction research and understand PPP3CA/B biology Have a strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry. Knowledge of proteomics is desirable. Have a strong ability to work independently but with excellent ability to work in a team, and an open and collaborative approach to science. Highly organised, motivated and meticulous, with an ability to work independently and to drive a project forward robustly and at pace. Have excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language are essential.

We are one of the UK's leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University. We are signatory to the national Technician Commitment (https://www.dundee.ac.uk/events/history-pitfalls-and-hallmarks-success-technicians-commitment).


For further information about this position please contact

Prof Gopal Sapkota

at

g.sapkota@dundee.ac.uk

.

To find out more about MRC PPU please visit

https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.