Background
The most common familial and sporadic cases associated with Parkinson’s disease involve the Ser/Thr kinase LRRK2. The substrates of LRRK2 are a group of Rab GTPases that control diverse aspects of cellular dynamics including autophagy, exocytosis, ciliogenesis, and vesicle motility. Collaborative efforts from the labs of Amir Khan (Dublin, Ireland) and Dario Alessi (Dundee, Scotland) have identified several potentially exciting new protein complexes that may link LRRK2 activity to the molecular defects seen in Parkinson’s Disease. This project will involve the purification and structural characterization of protein complexes, as well as functional studies to understand how these complexes regulate membrane trafficking. Outstanding in-house resources at Dublin and Dundee include protein production facilities, biophysical instrumentation (ITC, SPR, light scattering), and access to mass spectrometry at the MRC PPU. In addition there is generous beamtime available at synchrotrons, as well as cryo-electron microscopy facilities. For further reading see PMID 34580980, 32017888, and 38091401. The Khan lab is funded through Research Ireland and the Michael J Fox Foundation.
Requirements
The employment will be based in Dubin, Ireland. It is an advantage to have experience in recombinant protein expression/purification, X-ray structure determination, or cryo-electron microscopy. Although Dublin-based, candidates are expected to be mobile and perform experiments in Dundee, Scotland, as needed. We welcome student/PDF candidates that are seeking refuge from the current political climate.
PDF salary and start date
The gross salary for fellow positions in Ireland range from €43,907 - €51,677 depending on the level of experience. PhD students earn a stipend of €25,000 per year. The positions would be offered immediately to qualified candidates.
Further Information
Amir Khan (Amir.Khan@tcd.ie), School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
Application Procedure
As a single PDF file, please submit a motivation letter, Curriculum Vitae, and email/phone information for two referees to: Amir.Khan@tcd.ie
