Research Technician - UOD2189

Unit: MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit
Contract type: Fixed-Term Full Time
Grade: UoD Grade 5 or 6
Start date: February 2026

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.

Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS):
The MRC PPU is based within the Faculty 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 Faculty provides a
dynamic, multi-national, collegiate and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology and teaching
facilities.

We are recruiting highly motivated Research Technicians to participate in a new academic-industrial global initiative
supported by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, aimed at accelerating the development of
Parkinson's disease therapeutics (https://www.michaeljfox.org/lrrk2-investigative-therapeutics-exchange-lite). The
project aims to explore and validate new approaches to target LRRK2 and to perform systematic mechanistic, structural
and safety analyses to benchmark new LRRK2 modifiers that emerge from this effort. The postholder will be involved in
characterizing molecules targeting the LRRK2 pathway (developed through academic or Industry efforts) using a
variety of techniques, working closely with the other members of the research team. This exciting position enables
further training in state-of-the-art methods through the course of the project and involves wider collaboration with
Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit members, other academic Institutions worldwide and Industry partners
working in this area.

The appointed post holder will be based within the laboratory of Dario Alessi within the University of Dundee's MRC
Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU, http://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/).

Your priorities will include:
* To undertake research in the relevant discipline area using the appropriate methods and/or techniques.
* To support the production of research reports and/or publications as required by the funding body or for
dissemination to the wider academic community.
* To collaborate with research colleagues and support staff internally as appropriate to the research.
* To undertake any other duties relevant to the programme of research as required.
* For Grade 6 positions, the postholder will be expected to be able to work with minimal supervision, effectively
plan own workload, and provide support and guidance to other members of the research team, as required.

Who we're looking for:
* Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant discipline.
* Strong hands-on experience in one or more of the following is essential: Screening and characterisation of
compounds in in vitro and in vivo assays; SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting techniques; Quantitative enzyme
assays, including kinase assays; Data analysis.
* Hands-on experience in experimental techniques and data analysis that are relevant to the role.
* Knowledge and interest in understanding pathways that are linked to neurodegeneration and Parkinson's
disease.
* Experience of working in a fast paced, ideally commercially-focused environment, and ability to manage
competing deadlines and priorities are highly desirable.
* Ability to work in a team in a highly collaborative manner, embracing the principles of Open Science.
* Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
* Excellent knowledge of the English language is essential.

Additional requirements for Grade 6 positions include:
* MSc in a relevant discipline.
* Experience in independent research projects.
* Experience in multi-institutional and/or industry collaborations is highly desirable.

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.

For further information about this position please contact please contact Prof. Dario Alessi ([email protected])
or Dr Francesca Tonelli ([email protected]). To find out more about MRC PPU please visit https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/

Please be advised that this vacancy does not meet the salary threshold required to gain tradable
points for a Skilled Worker visa.

Commitment to DORA
The School of Life Sciences has been fully committed to the principals of the San Francisco Declaration on Research
Assessment (DORA) since 2013. In assessing applicants, we consider the scientific quality of their published research
papers, but do not take into account where the papers were published and do not consider journal-based metrics,
such as Journal Impact Factors.

As an internationally diverse institution, we welcome job applicants from all countries and nationalities. The School of
Life Sciences is proud to employ staff from over 40 different nations.

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.