Log In
Sign Up
Researcher
Postdoctoral Research Associate Full-time NEW
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Understanding pathogenic signalling mechanisms of the secreted protein kinome of Legionella pneumophila
Dr Dominic Byrne at the University of Liverpool, UK, is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral research associate with an interest in bacterial pathogenesis and kinase biology for a 36-month position.
Project: This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing research team in Dr Byrne’s lab, focusing on understanding the roles of secreted effector-kinases in bacterial pathogenesis. Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistically intracellular pathogenic bacteria and the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), a serious form of pneumonia in humans. L. pneumophila secretes ≥ 300 survival promoting effector proteins, including several eukaryote-mimicking Ser/Thr protein kinases, which hijack host cellular processes, contribute to pathogenicity, and produce a replication permissible intracellular compartment – the Legionella Containing Vacuole (LCV). Given marked structural similarities between eukaryote and bacterial Ser/Thr protein kinases, both of which use ATP as a co-factor, we predict that bacterial kinases can also be drugged using principles established for clinically targeted human kinases. However, we currently understand very little about the function of L. pneumophila effector kinases, including substrate specificities, how they modulate cellular activities, or how they are themselves regulated. Answers to these fundamental questions are critical to establish bacterial kinases as suitable alternative molecular targets for antimicrobial therapies, which are urgently required to respond to the global health emergency posed by multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, including isolates of L. pneumophila.
The aim of this project is to utilise unbiased analytical Mass Spectrometry, molecular cell biology, and protein biochemistry techniques to functionally characterise and decode the regulatory host-pathogen interaction networks of secreted L. pneumophila kinase-effectors, and to appraise their utility as targets for anti-virulence therapies.
Dr Byrne is a newly established principal investigator/group leader, based in the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology in the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) at the University of Liverpool. ISMIB is a world-leading Institute in multi-omic, fundamental cell biology, cell signalling and infectious disease research with excellent shared facilities including the Centre for Proteome Research, the Computational Biology Facility, the Liverpool Centre for Cell Imaging, and Centre for Genomic Research. This project is in collaboration with Prof. Claire Eyers at the Centre for Proteome Research.
We encourage applications from enthusiastic and motivated candidates with a PhD (awarded or imminent) in Kinase Signalling, Molecular Cell Biology, or a related discipline. Specifically, we are looking for candidates with:
- A strong background using quantitative (Mass-Spectrometry-based) (phospho)proteomics to study cell signalling.
- Exceptional knowledge of cell signalling and biochemistry
- Experience in cell biology and/or protein production
- Evidence of high-quality research
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to lead and manage their own research
- A belief in the importance of collaboration and providing a supportive environment
This position is offered full time from January and is fixed term (36 months in the first instance). Informal enquiries are very welcome and can be sent directly by email to Dr Dominic Byrne (D.Byrne@liverpool.ac.uk). Formal applications should be online. Please include your CV and a personal statement outlining your interest in the position and explaining how you meet each of the selection criteria using examples of your skills and experience.
If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.
This role is eligible for sponsorship under the skilled worker route.
Commitment to Diversity
The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Job Ref: 099753 / Closing Date: 22nd October 2025