The appointed researcher will be based within the state-of-the-art laboratories of the University of Dundee's CeTPD (https://www.dundee.ac.uk/cetpd), and will focus on the structural and biophysical characterisation of protein-ligand interactions and protein-protein complexes relevant to the PhosTACs programme, to understand binding modes and structure-activity relationships (SAR) and guide the design of improved molecules. This is a broader and more independent role than a standard support post: the successful candidate will be expected to take increasing ownership of structural enablement of newly identified small-molecule binders, to drive structure-guided design decisions and to help lead this workstream across the collaboration.

This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in world-leading, collaborative and cutting-edge research in one of the hottest areas of modern translational chemical biology and drug discovery, within an academia-industry partnership with exciting prospects for the future.

Your priorities will include:

• Characterising the binding of small-molecule bifunctional PhosTACs and their binding components to their target phosphatase and phospho-proteins components, using a range of structural and biophysical techniques including but not limited to X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR spectroscopy, and in-solution biophysical methods such as SPR, ITC and fluorescence-based assays
• Designing constructs and expressing and purifying proteins to enable compound evaluation
• Executing and optimising binding assays in vitro to profile novel compounds
• Driving structure-guided design of PhosTACs by determining structure-activity relationships (SAR) in vitro, and taking a leading role in translating these into design recommendations for the wider team
• Developing team science, working with colleagues across disciplines and institutions to enable breakthroughs
• Presenting findings to the collaboration team and externally at international conferences

Who we’re looking for:

• A Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, chemical/molecular biology or a related discipline
• Highly experienced in structural biology and biophysics, with an emphasis on structure-based drug design
• Strong background in protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM and/or NMR spectroscopy
• Experience with biophysical techniques and assays to study protein-ligand binding and protein-protein interactions is strongly desired
• Strong interpersonal, time management and communication skills
• An open and collaborative approach to science
• Capable of working in a diverse, cross-institutional team, but able to plan and work independently

For further information about this position please contact Professor Alessio Ciulli (a.ciulli@dundee.ac.uk)

To find out more about the Ciulli group or CeTPD, please visit the Website.

The appointed researcher will be based within the state-of-the-art laboratories of the University of Dundee's CeTPD (https://www.dundee.ac.uk/cetpd), and will focus on the structural and biophysical characterisation of protein-ligand interactions and protein-protein complexes relevant to the PhosTACs programme, to understand binding modes and structure-activity relationships (SAR) and guide the design of improved molecules. This is a broader and more independent role than a standard support post: the successful candidate will be expected to take increasing ownership of structural enablement of newly identified small-molecule binders, to drive structure-guided design decisions and to help lead this workstream across the collaboration.

This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in world-leading, collaborative and cutting-edge research in one of the hottest areas of modern translational chemical biology and drug discovery, within an academia-industry partnership with exciting prospects for the future.

Your priorities will include:

• Characterising the binding of small-molecule bifunctional PhosTACs and their binding components to their target phosphatase and phospho-proteins components, using a range of structural and biophysical techniques including but not limited to X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR spectroscopy, and in-solution biophysical methods such as SPR, ITC and fluorescence-based assays
• Designing constructs and expressing and purifying proteins to enable compound evaluation
• Executing and optimising binding assays in vitro to profile novel compounds
• Driving structure-guided design of PhosTACs by determining structure-activity relationships (SAR) in vitro, and taking a leading role in translating these into design recommendations for the wider team
• Developing team science, working with colleagues across disciplines and institutions to enable breakthroughs
• Presenting findings to the collaboration team and externally at international conferences

Who we’re looking for:

• A Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, chemical/molecular biology or a related discipline
• Highly experienced in structural biology and biophysics, with an emphasis on structure-based drug design
• Strong background in protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM and/or NMR spectroscopy
• Experience with biophysical techniques and assays to study protein-ligand binding and protein-protein interactions is strongly desired
• Strong interpersonal, time management and communication skills
• An open and collaborative approach to science
• Capable of working in a diverse, cross-institutional team, but able to plan and work independently

For further information about this position please contact Professor Alessio Ciulli (a.ciulli@dundee.ac.uk)

To find out more about the Ciulli group or CeTPD, please visit the Website.