Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA replication

TN United Kingdom; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA replication. This exciting fixed-term position will involve developing advanced biophysical instrumentation and simulations to explore the dynamics of eukaryotic DNA replication. The role offers the opportunity to publish high-quality scientific papers and gain teaching experience while collaborating with molecular biologists. Ideal candidates will possess a Ph.D. in biophysics or microscopy, practical experience in relevant areas, and a passion for advancing biophysical research. Join a team dedicated to groundbreaking discoveries in the field!

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or near completion in biophysics or microscopy required.
• Experience in building instrumentation for biological applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced biophysical instrumentation to study DNA replication.
• Publish results and gain teaching experience.

Skills

Biophysics

Microscopy

Instrumentation Building

Data Analysis

Programming

Quantitative Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Ph.D. in Biophysics

Near Completion of Ph.D.

Tools

Optical Tweezers

Fluorescence Microscopy

Microfluidics

Cryo-EM

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA replication, Oxford

col-narrow-left

Client:

University of Oxford

Location:

Oxford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Reference:

670db61342f7

Job Views:

4

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

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 aims to understand the dynamics of eukaryotic DNA replication. This is a fixed-term position for 3 years.

What are you going to do?

• Develop and employ novel advanced biophysical instrumentation based on optical trapping or fluorescence microscopy to study DNA replication;
• Develop and employ simulations and data analysis routines to analyze your data;
• Acquire practical knowledge of protein purification, ensemble biochemistry, and sample preparation to support your biophysical studies;
• Suggest ways to expand the interdisciplinary skillset for the benefit of the project;

You will also:

• Publish your results with team members;
• Have the opportunity to gain teaching experience and develop leadership skills by guiding students;

About the project

During our lifetimes, we copy about a lightyear’s worth of DNA. This project focuses on understanding the activity of the eukaryotic replisome at the single-molecule level, examining its composition, motion dynamics, and interactions with chromatin or obstacles. You will design and use biophysical tools like optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, cryo-EM, and analyze data with biophysical models. Willingness to learn biochemical methods and collaborate with molecular biologists is essential. You will aim to publish high-quality scientific papers to advance the field.

Requirements

We seek a biophysicist with:

• A Ph.D. (or near completion) in biophysics or microscopy;
• Practical experience in the relevant areas;
• Skills in building instrumentation for biological questions;
• Strong quantitative skills and programming experience;
• Experience with force spectroscopy methods (a plus);
• Interest in developing biochemistry skills;
• Independent, organized, reliable work ethic and team spirit;
• Good communication skills and enthusiasm for biophysics.

We look forward to welcoming our new colleague in fall 2025.