Job Title: Postdoctoral
Research Assistant
School: Life Sciences
Unit: Gene Regulation and Expression
Grade: Grade 7 (£31,076 -
£38,183)
Job Category: Research
Closing Date: 12 February 2017
Postdoctoral
position to use genetics to aid in genetic and chemical validation of cell wall
targets in fungal pathogens in the laboratory of Professor Daan van Aalten
FRSE.
A
postdoc position is available immediately in the group of Daan van Aalten at the School
of Life Sciences in Dundee, Scotland. Funded by a recently awarded 1.9M GBP MRC
Programme Grant, you will use genetics to investigate the contribution of a
range of carbohydrate-active enzymes to the biogenesis of the fungal cell wall,
and study the effects of specific inhibitors on fungal pathogens.
You will be working in a highly international research group that operates
across the disciplines of cell biology, enzymology, drug design, structural
biology and synthetic chemistry to discover the molecular mechanisms of fungal
cell wall assembly and exploit these for the development of novel antifungal
targets. More information on the group can be found on http://www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/people/daan_van_aalten. Training, as required,
will be provided in a well-equipped, well-funded and supportive environment
enabling the successful candidate to extend skills and expertise.
The School has excellent facilities for all aspects of research, including
in-house and easily accessible services, such as cloning, proteomics,
microscopy, DNA sequencing, oligo synthesis and preparation of growth media.
You will use state of the art CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing to generate
catalytically inactive versions of a collection of cell wall genes. This
position is available for 24 months in the first instance, with possible
extension for another 3 years. Starting date is in spring 2017.
Candidate requirements:
Essential:
- A background
in genetics on fungal pathogens
- PhD with an outstanding track record and at least one first authored
publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal
- Capable of working in a team, but able to generate ideas, plan and work
independently
- A desire to interact with, and learn from, scientists beyond your own
discipline/culture
- Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English, in particular in
writing scientific publications
Desirable:
- A background
in biochemistry, molecular biology, signal transduction and or pharmacology
would be preferable
- Familiarity with protein glycosylation and related disorders
- Experience with CRISPR/Cas9
For informal enquiries please contact Daan van Aalten
(dmfvanaalten@dundee.ac.uk). For details on the van Aalten lab please visit our
website http://www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/people/daan-van-aalten. The van Aalten lab is
based in the Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression and is an exciting and
collaborative research environment, equipped to the highest international
standards. The School of Life Sciences is in a beautiful location overlooking
the estuary of the River Tay. This is one of the premier Life Sciences research
centres in the world and was recently assessed as the top UK University for
Life Sciences research in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
How to apply:
To apply on-line please visit: www.dundee.ac.uk/jobs
The University of Dundee is a diverse community and is committed to equality of
opportunity for all by providing a supportive, flexible and inclusive working
environment. We have family friendly
policies (including flexible working and childcare vouchers), staff groups for
LGBT and BME; and prayer room facilities.
The University of Dundee has received the Athena SWAN Bronze Award (http://www.dundee.ac.uk/about/athenaswan/) which recognises the
promotion of gender equality and has made further commitment to advancing
inclusive culture which supports and encourages all under-represented groups.
The University of Dundee is a Scottish Registered Charity, No. SC015096.