Senior Scientific Researcher in Single-Molecule Biophysics

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: 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, with
the final deadline for applications being 12 noon on **31 May** **, 2025**.