Postdoctoral Scientist - UOD2329

Postdoctoral Scientist: Ubiquitin-like signalling in the immune system

MRC PPU / Faculty of Life Sciences

Unit: MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit Contract type: Fixed-Term

Grade 7 (£37,174 - £44,128)

Description:

We are recruiting a highly motivated individual to join us as a Postdoctoral Scientist in Dr Kirby Swatek's laboratory to study the roles of ISG15 modifications, an underexplored and abundant signal of the innate immune response. This position is a fixed-term appointment until 31st March 2029.

The goal of the Swatek lab is to understand the immunomodulatory roles of a ubiquitin-like modifier called Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 (ISG15). As its name suggests, ISG15 is highly upregulated in interferon-treated and virus-infected cells and marks thousands of proteins to regulate the host immune response. Surprisingly, however, our mechanistic understanding of ISG15's contributions to antiviral signalling is largely unknown. The goal of the position is to characterise the cellular machinery that writes and reads these modifications. The project merges several disciplines, complements ongoing lab efforts, and expands upon our recent discoveries in this area.

Please contact Dr Kirby Swatek ([email protected]) for informal enquiries or discussions.

Your priorities will include:

• Biochemical and Cell biology studies of the ISG15 system
• Performing a wide array of multidisciplinary techniques
• Advising and mentoring undergraduate and PhD student
• Presenting your research at lab meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Writing manuscripts for publication

Who we're looking for:

• Applicants with a PhD (or will complete your PhD studies within six months of the application deadline)
• A track record of academic success
• Experience in tissue culture and proteomic techniques
• A strong background in immune signaling and ubiquitin biology would be advantageous
• Candidates who can teach a small multidisciplinary team of enthusiastic scientists.
• Excellent communication skills.