Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA replication

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering research team at a prestigious institution to explore the fascinating dynamics of DNA replication. This fully-funded, fixed-term position offers the chance to develop cutting-edge biophysical instrumentation and collaborate with experts in biophysics and biochemistry. You will engage in interdisciplinary research, publish impactful results, and gain valuable teaching experience. Ideal for a driven biophysicist eager to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in molecular biology. Embrace this opportunity to advance your career while making significant contributions to science in a supportive and innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biophysics or microscopy, with practical experience.
• Strong skills in building instrumentation for biological research.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced biophysical instrumentation for DNA replication studies.
• Publish results and guide students while enhancing leadership skills.

Skills

Instrumentation Development

Data Analysis

Programming

Interpersonal Communication

Quantitative Skills

Education

Ph.D. in Biophysics or Microscopy

Tools

Optical Tweezers

Fluorescence Microscopy

Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Microfluidics

Atomic Force Microscopy

Job description

We are looking to hire an outstanding experimentalist for an exciting project at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry that aims to understand the dynamics of eukaryotic DNA replication.

This post is fixed-term for 3 years.

What are you going to do?

In this fully-funded project, you will:

1. Develop and employ novel advanced biophysical instrumentation based on optical trapping or fluorescence microscopy to study DNA replication;
2. Develop and employ simulations and data analysis routines to analyze your data;
3. Develop an interdisciplinary skillset by acquiring practical knowledge of protein purification, ensemble biochemistry, and sample preparation to support your biophysical studies;
4. Come up with suggestions to expand the interdisciplinary skillset as necessary for the benefit of the project;
5. Help to establish a scientifically outstanding and warmly communicative interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford;

You will also:

• Publish your results together with other biophysicists and biochemists on the team;
• Have the opportunity to obtain teaching experience and improve your leadership skills while guiding undergraduate and graduate students;

About the project

During our lifetimes, we copy approximately a lightyear's worth of DNA, and understanding how the components of the molecular machinery (the replisome) work together is an area of highly active research. You will take on the exciting challenge of understanding the dynamics of DNA replication by studying the activity of the eukaryotic replisome at the single-molecule level. This involves examining replisome composition, motion dynamics, and their interplay, especially in the context of chromatin or obstacles on DNA. You will design and employ novel biophysical instrumentation (e.g., optical tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence, microfluidics, cryo-electron microscopy) and analyze datasets using biophysical modeling. Willingness to learn biochemical approaches and collaborate with external molecular biology and biochemistry colleagues is essential. Your work will contribute to high-quality scientific publications in this field.

Requirements

We seek a biophysicist with:

• A successfully completed Ph.D. (or near completion) in biophysics or microscopy;
• Practical experience and scientific maturity in the relevant areas;
• Strong skills and interest in building instrumentation for biological questions;
• Strong quantitative skills in data analysis and programming;
• Professional experience with force spectroscopy methods (e.g., optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, atomic force microscopy) is a plus;
• An interest in developing biochemistry skills to enable interdisciplinary research;
• An independent, well-organized, and reliable work style, with an ability and interest in working in a small team;
• Good interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in biophysics, contributing positively to the lab culture.

We welcome friendly and driven colleagues to enrich our team. We aim to appoint by fall 2025.