Overview
Structural Biology Postdoctoral Research Assistant – University of Dundee, DUNDEE, United Kingdom. This is an opportunity to join a recently established Research Centre that pioneers translational chemical biology and advances molecular glue research. You will gain experience in world‑leading, collaborative, high‑impact research at the forefront of drug discovery, with access to strong academic and industrial partnerships. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural and/or Chemical Biology to join the research group of Dr Peter Cossar at the Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (CeTPD).
The Cossar Lab integrates molecular biophysics, structural biology, and organic synthesis to develop chemical tools for proximity‑induced drug discovery, focusing on targeting intrinsically disordered protein complexes. This Royal Society‑funded position identifies molecular glues that stabilise disease‑relevant protein complexes involved in Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The position is available from 1 October 2025 for a fixed term of 3 years; start may be delayed by up to 4–5 months for the right candidate.
Responsibilities / What you will do
* Identify molecular glues that stabilise disease‑relevant protein complexes involved in MND/FTD.
* Contribute to projects at the interface of molecular biophysics, structural biology, and organic synthesis to address questions in proximity‑induced drug discovery.
* Apply biophysical and structural biology approaches to study protein–ligand interactions and assist in tool development for drug discovery.
Qualifications / What they are looking for
* Familiarity with one of the following techniques: protein mass spectrometry for chemical biology and biophysics (strong preference for native MS)
* Protein–ligand structural biology (X‑ray or cryo‑EM) including structure refinement tools (e.g., CCP4, PHENIX, Coot, DIALS, Cryo‑Spark, Relion)
* Experience with designing and troubleshooting biophysical assays
* Experience studying protein–ligand interactions and structure‑based drug design
* Cloning and DNA construct design is a plus
* Experience with bacterial, insect and/or human recombinant protein expression systems
What they offer / Benefits
* Fully funded 3‑year position with competitive salary
* Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities (ThermoFisher Glacios 200kV X‑FEG), X‑ray beamlines, Electron Bio Imaging Centre, and biophysical instruments
* Supportive, collaborative, and interdisciplinary environment
* Collegial culture valuing equality, work‑life balance, and regular social events
How to apply
Please apply via the Dundee online application. Candidates are also encouraged to email Dr Peter Cossar (pcossar001@dundee.ac.uk) by Monday, 6 October 2025.
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