We are looking to hire an outstanding experimental biophysicist to work on exciting force spectroscopy and fluorescence-based projects in single-molecule biophysics within the excellent and highly interdisciplinary Oxford environment.

 

This post is fixed term for 3 years.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and to develop invaluable skills in instrumentation design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership, all within the vibrant scientific community of the University of Oxford.

In this project, you will design and employ novel forms of biophysical instrumentation (e.g. advanced optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers) to allow us to better study DNA replication and/or chromatin organization at the single-molecule level in a sufficiently high-throughput manner. You will have the flexibility to develop instrumentation using either our commercial systems or custom-built setups, based on your judgment in collaboration with the team. You will then use this instrumentation together with other group members to acquire data on DNA replication and/or chromatin organization at the single-molecule level, and analyze the resulting datasets using biophysical modelling. Both an interest and aptitude in instrumentation development and quantitative biophysics, as well as a willingness to acquaint oneself with biochemical approaches and interact with external collaborators in molecular biology and biochemistry, are essential. The overall goal is to provide novel and sound biophysical insights into DNA replication and/or chromatin organization at the single-molecule level that will advance these exciting fields.

 

For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking a biophysicist, with:

•         a successfully completed Ph.D. degree in biophysics or microscopy

•         practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas

•         strong aptitude and interest in biophysical instrumentation

•         professional experience with force spectroscopy methods (e.g. optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, or atomic force microscopy)

•         strong quantitative skills in data analysis and programming

•         willingness to develop an understanding of the relevant biochemistry (DNA and protein structure and function, mechanochemistry, single-molecule kinetics)

•         an independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest in working in an interdisciplinary team

•         leadership ability to guide fellow group members on quantitative biophysical experiments

•         excellent interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in the broader field of biophysics, thereby contributing to our 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 spring of 2025.

 

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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.

 

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: nynke.dekker@physics.ox.ac.uk Applications should include a motivated cover letter of application, a detailed CV, and the names and contact information of three references. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 15 January 2025

 

Information on a fully funded PhD position can be found below