Senior Scientific Researcher in Single-Molecule Biophysics

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford is seeking a senior scientific staff member to join the Nynke Dekker Lab, focusing on single-molecule biophysics research. Ideal candidates are expected to lead research efforts in biophysical instrumentation, requiring a Ph.D. in a relevant field. The role involves collaboration with graduate students and postdocs, facilitating innovative projects aimed at advancing our understanding of DNA replication and chromatin organization. Generous support for visa costs and future growth opportunities make this an exciting prospect for driven researchers.

Benefits

Visa costs covered

NHS surcharge fees covered

Qualifications

• PhD in biophysics or optical physics required.
• Experience in biophysical instrumentation and microscopy.
• Strong skills in hardware-software interfacing.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement novel biophysical instrumentation.
• Guide and train graduate students and postdocs.
• Acquire data on DNA replication and chromatin organization.

Skills

Biophysical instrumentation

Microscopy

Hardware-software interfacing

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in biophysics

Ph.D. in optical physics

Tools

Optical tweezers

Magnetic tweezers

Atomic force microscopy

Job description

We are looking to hire an outstanding senior scientific staff member to support our group's research, which focuses on studying DNA and chromatin replication at the single-molecule level. You will form part of the research team core and support the wider group by leading outstanding research and development in single-molecule biophysics.

About the project

In this project, you will design and implement novel forms of biophysical instrumentation (e.g. advanced optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence, novel single-molecule approaches to DNA sequencing, integration with cryo-EM) with the goal of maximizing their contributions to the understanding of DNA replication and/or chromatin organization. You will propose and/or implement technical advances on single-molecule instruments and use them together with graduate students and postdocs to acquire data on DNA replication and/or chromatin organization. An aptitude in instrumentation development and quantitative biophysics, a willingness to acquire relevant knowledge into the photophysics of fluorescent labels, and an interest in guiding, coaching, and training graduate students and postdocs in their scientific and technical development, are essential. The overall goal is to provide novel and sound single-molecule biophysical insights into DNA replication and/or chromatin organization to advance these exciting fields.

Requirements

For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking a (bio)physicist, with:

• A successfully completed Ph.D. degree in biophysics or optical physics.

• Practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas.

• Strong aptitude and interest in biophysical instrumentation and microscopy, and willingness to acquire related knowledge e.g. photophysics.

• Professional experience with force spectroscopy (e.g. optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, or atomic force microscopy) or single-molecule fluorescence methodologies.

• Strong skills in hardware-software interfacing and demonstrable ability to interface and collaborate with experts in programming.

• An independent, well-organized, and reliable work style.

• Track record of obtaining scientific funding.

• Leadership ability to guide, coach, and train graduate students and postdocs in the context of an interdisciplinary team.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in the broader field of biophysics that will contribute to the interactive lab culture.

We look for friendly and driven colleagues to enrich our team. UK visa costs and NHS surcharge fees will be covered. We would like to welcome our new colleague by the summer or 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 in the Department of Physics and the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Discovery at the University of Oxford. The lab focuses its studies on understanding DNA replication and chromatin organization from a quantitative perspective both in vitro and in vivo . 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, all housed in a brand-new building with high quality laboratory spaces. Studying the dynamics of DNA replication and chromatin organization 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

If you're excited about contributing to innovative biophysical research and collaborating with a talented team, we'd love to hear from you!

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

Applications should include a motivated cover letter of application, a detailed CV, and the names and contact information of three references, with the final deadline for applications being 12 noon on 31 May, 2025.

Contact Person :

HR Team

Vacancy ID :

177451

Contact Phone :

Closing Date & Time :

31-May-2025 12:00

Pay Scale :

RESEARCH GRADE 9

Contact Email :

[e-mail]

Salary (£) :

Grade 9: £55,636 - £64,228 per annum