Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcripti[...]

Particle Physics Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research lab in Oxford seeks a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to explore RNA polymerase's response to DNA damage-induced transcription stress. The role involves advanced biophysical techniques and collaboration with international teams, aiming to publish high-quality scientific papers.

Qualifications

• Strong experimental and quantitative skills required.
• Interest in biophysics and collaboration with biochemists.

Responsibilities

• Employ advanced biophysical instrumentation for RNA polymerase studies.
• Interact with collaborators and publish results.

Skills

Experimental skills

Quantitative skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

Ph.D. in quantitative biochemistry or biophysics

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcription stress

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcription stress role at Particle Physics Oxford

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcription stress

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Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcription stress role at Particle Physics Oxford

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcription stress Condensed Matter Physics, Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory Building and Kavli Institute, Oxford, OX1

We are looking to hire an outstanding experimentalist for an exciting project at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry that has as its goals to understand the response of RNA polymerase to DNA damage-induced transcription stress.

This post is fixed term for 3 years.

What are you going to do?

In This Fully-funded Project, You Will

• employ advanced biophysical instrumentation based on optical trapping or fluorescence microscopy to study RNA polymerase and its response to DNA damage-induced transcription stress;
• develop an interdisciplinary skillset by acquiring a practical knowledge of protein purification, ensemble biochemistry, and sample preparation to support your biophysical studies;
• interact with biochemist and structural biology collaborators based at Oxford and in the Netherlands (Erasmus MC and Netherlands Cancer institute) in the context of collaborative projects;
• come up with suggestions to expand the interdisciplinary skillset as necessary for the benefit of the project;
• employ simulations and data analysis routines to analyze your data;
• help to establish a scientifically outstanding and warmly communicative interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford;
• publish your results together with collaborators;
• have the opportunity to obtain teaching experience and improve your leadership skills while guiding undergraduate and graduate students;
  
  

About The Project

Unperturbed gene expression is vital for correct functioning of cells. RNA polymerase II is the enzyme that transcribes genes into mRNA, enabling subsequent protein synthesis. Its transcriptional activity is continuously challenged by the occurrence of DNA damage, resulting from exposure of DNA to cellular metabolites and environmental agents. Bulky and helix-distorting DNA damage physically blocks the forward movement of transcribing RNA polymerase II. Such DNA damage-induced transcription stress can lead to severe cellular dysfunction, death and senescence, and is believed to be a major contributor to aging-related diseases, such as neurodegeneration, and neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy. You will perform biophysical experiments to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind these aging-related phenotypes. A willingness to learn and employ biochemical approaches and interact with external collaborators in molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Oxford and in the Netherlands is essential. In doing so, you will publish high-quality scientific papers to advance this exciting field.

Requirements For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking an excellent scientist with:

• a successfully completed Ph.D. degree (or close to obtaining) in quantitative biochemistry or biophysics;
• practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas;
• strong experimental and quantitative skills;
• an interest in working in biophysics while interfacing with biochemist and structural biology collaborators (and developing a biochemistry skillset to enable this if not already present);
• an independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest in working in a small team;
• good interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in the broader fields of replication and transcription, thereby contributing to collaborative work and to our interactive lab culture;
  
  

We look for friendly and driven colleagues to enrich our team. We would like to welcome our new colleague in the fall of 2025.

Who are we?

The Nynke Dekker Lab (https://nynkedekkerlab.web.ox.ac.uk) is a highly successful single-molecule biophysics research lab based at the University of Oxford. The lab focuses its studies on understanding DNA replication and related molecular motor-based processes from a quantitative perspective in vitro. The lab employs state-of-the-art biophysical techniques (e.g. advanced single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, optical and magnetic tweezers) together with in-house molecular biology and biochemistry. Performing experiments at the single-molecule level requires broad and integrated expertise; as such, we employ outstanding international scientists trained in biophysics, biochemistry and cell biology who work together enthusiastically as a multidisciplinary team. You will be part of this group and will interact actively with current members.

Information and application

For more information about these positions please contact Prof. Nynke Dekker, e-mail: [e-mail]

Only applications received before midday 16 June 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of three referees as part of your online application.

Contact Person : HR Team Vacancy ID : 179382 Contact Phone : Closing Date & Time : 16-Jun-2025 12:00 Pay Scale : RESEARCH GRADE 7 Contact Email : [e-mail] Salary (£) : £38,674 -£46,913 per annum Click on the link(s) below to view documents Filesize 179382 JD and Person Spec Physics PDRA final.docx 1305.5 Return to Search Results Apply Now

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Research Services

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