Postdoctoral Research Assistant

We are recruiting for an enthusiastic individual as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the lab of Dr. David H. Murray, to be funded in part by the Wellcome Trust.

We are an exciting group aimed at harnessing cell and tissue processes to understand the regulation of subcellular structures. This regulation sits at the interface of membranes and large protein complexes. Our strategy is interdisciplinary, combining state-of-the-art cell biology with protein biochemistry and membrane methods. We are ambitious and aim to resolve important questions, requiring independence with multidisciplinary support. The excellent opportunities of the world-class facilities of the School of Life Sciences support our interdisciplinary program and a research-driven approach. Moreover, we are collaborative and open, aiming to work with partners where possible to broaden and expand our research horizons.

Our expectation is that the candidate will emerge from the laboratory well prepared for an independent scientific career at the interface of cells, their membranes, and proteins. We have an excellent track record at all levels in training. The scope of the research and professional development opportunities found within the School of Life Sciences provides an excellent opportunity for the candidate’s career development.

Your priority will be to develop and apply novel strategies in cell and tissue-models following from our published work, including cell biological, structural and high-throughput fluorescent-based assays to understand the regulation of polarized trafficking machinery. Potential strategies include induced pluripotent stem cell biology, cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule techniques. Outstanding candidates should ideally have recently carried out a PhD in cell biology, structural biology, protein biochemistry, or a related field. Expertise in working with membranes and lipids is desired. See our recent work here for example of our strategies. This position is available for 23 months in the first instance with possibility of extension.

Candidate requirements:

• PhD with an outstanding academic track record and at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognized peer-reviewed journal
• Strong background in structural biology, biochemistry, and/or cell biology
• Eagerness to learn and apply new techniques across disciplines
• Capable of working in a team, but able to plan and work independently
• Excellent communication skills including data presentation at scientific meetings

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee is 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 multi-national, collegiate and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology and teaching facilities.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee one of the top universities in the UK. Family friendly policies, staff support networks for BME and LGBT staff, membership of Athena Swan and Stonewall, as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.