Postdoctoral Scientist

University of Dundee; Dundee; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dundee invites applications for an exceptional Structural Biologist / Molecular Biophysicist to join an interdisciplinary team developing Phosphatase Targeting Chimeras (PhosTACs). The role focuses on structural and biophysical characterisation of protein-ligand interactions and protein complexes to guide SAR and design improvements.

Expect leadership in this workstream across collaborations. You will work in CeTPD laboratories, contributing to world-leading translational chemical

Qualifications

• PhD in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry or related field.
• Strong track record in structure-based drug design and protein structure determination.
• Experience with biophysical binding assays and protein–ligand interactions.

Responsibilities

• Characterise binding of PhosTACs to target phosphatases and phospho-proteins using X-ray, cryo-EM, NMR and in-solution methods.
• Design constructs and express/purify proteins for compound evaluation.
• Execute and optimise binding assays in vitro to profile compounds.
• Drive SAR and translate findings into design recommendations for the team.
• Develop cross-disciplinary collaboration and present findings at international conferences.

Skills

Crystallography

Cryo-EM

NMR spectroscopy

SAR design

Protein expression

Education

PhD in structural biology

Tools

SPRs

ITC

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional Structural Biologist / Molecular Biophysicist to join an interdisciplinary, crossinstitutional research team dedicated to developing an innovative new class of small molecules termed Phosphatase Targeting Chimeras (PhosTACs).

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 ([emailprotected] )

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

Monday, 31 August 2026, 23:59