We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate how cells recognise and resolve stalled protein synthesis at the endoplasmic reticulum. Based in Professor Yogesh Kulathu’s laboratory, you will contribute to a Wellcome Discovery-funded research programme in close collaboration with the laboratories of Professor Elton Zeqiraj (Leeds) and Professor Liz Miller (Dundee). You will combine biochemistry, proteomics and structural biology to uncover the molecular mechanisms of ER ribosome-associated quality control (ER-RQC).
You will be responsible for:
• Investigating ER-RQC complexes and how they recognise and resolve stalled translation intermediates.
• Developing biochemical reconstitution strategies and quantitative assays to test molecular mechanisms.
• Identifying and validating protein interactions using biochemical, proteomic and cell-based approaches.
• Integrating findings with collaborative structural studies, including work across the three laboratories.
• Designing and managing experiments, communicating findings and contributing to publications and collaborative research.
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
• A PhD (completed or near completion) in a relevant discipline, or equivalent research experience.
• At least one first-author research publication or publicly available preprint.
• Strong practical protein-biochemistry, cell biology and/or proteomics skills, with rigorous experimental design and quantitative data interpretation.
• Relevant knowledge of mechanisms regulating protein translation, ribosome-associated quality control or molecular mechanisms, alongside experience in at least one complementary approach such as multi protein complex purification, biochemical reconstitution, dissecting signalling pathways, proteomics or cryo-EM.
• Excellent communication, organisation and collaborative skills, with the ability to drive research independently.
Desirable Criteria
• Experience working with ribosome complexes, membrane-associated protein complexes or translation-associated quality control.
• Interest in ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like signalling, membrane biology or protein quality control.
• Experience integrating biochemical, cell biological, proteomic or structural approaches.
We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications. You will have opportunities for scientific ownership, mentoring and development across disciplines.
Our benefits include:
• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride-to-work and electric vehicle schemes
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. Flexible and hybrid working information is available on the University’s website.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Professor Yogesh Kulathu | yogesh.kulathu@manchester.ac.uk
See our website for more details of the lab and our research: www.kulathulab.org
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Please upload a single PDF with your CV and a covering letter detailing why you would be suited for this position.
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
