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We are looking to hire an outstanding experimentalist for an exciting project at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry that has as its goals to understand the response of RNA polymerase to DNA damage-induced transcription stress. This post is fixed term for 3 years. What are you going to do? In this fully-funded project, you will: • employ advanced biophysical instrumentation based on optical trapping or fluorescence microscopy to study RNA polymerase and its response to DNA damage-induced transcription stress; • develop an interdisciplinary skillset by acquiring a practical knowledge of protein purification, ensemble biochemistry, and sample preparation to support your biophysical studies; • interact with biochemist and structural biology collaborators based at Oxford and in the Netherlands (Erasmus MC and Netherlands Cancer institute) in the context of collaborative projects; • come up with suggestions to expand the interdisciplinary skillset as necessary for the benefit of the project; • employ simulations and data analysis routines to analyze your data; • help to establish a scientifically outstanding and warmly communicative interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford; • publish your results together with collaborators; • have the opportunity to obtain teaching experience and improve your leadership skills while guiding undergraduate and graduate students; About the project Unperturbed gene expression is vital for correct functioning of cells. RNA polymerase II is the enzyme that transcribes genes into mRNA, enabling subsequent protein synthesis. Its transcriptional activity is continuously challenged by the occurrence of DNA damage, resulting from exposure of DNA to cellular metabolites and environmental agents. Bulky and helix-distorting DNA damage physically blocks the forward movement of transcribing RNA polymerase II. Such DNA damage-induced transcription stress can lead to severe cellular dysfunction, death and senescence, and is believed to be a major contributor to aging-related diseases, such as neurodegeneration, and neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy. You will perform biophysical experiments to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind these aging-related phenotypes. A willingness to learn and employ biochemical approaches and interact with external collaborators in molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Oxford and in the Netherlands is essential. In doing so, you will publish high-quality scientific papers to advance this exciting field. Requirements For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking an excellent scientist with: • a successfully completed Ph.D. degree (or close to obtaining) in quantitative biochemistry or biophysics; • practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas; • strong experimental and quantitative skills; • an interest in working in biophysics while interfacing with biochemist and structural biology collaborators (and developing a biochemistry skillset to enable this if not already present); • an independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest in working in a small team; • good interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in the broader fields of replication and transcription, thereby contributing to collaborative work and to our interactive lab culture; We look for friendly and driven colleagues to enrich our team. We would like to welcome our new colleague in the 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 at the University of Oxford. The lab focuses its studies on understanding DNA replication and related molecular motor-based processes from a quantitative perspective in vitro. 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. Performing experiments 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 For more information about these positions please contact Prof. Nynke Dekker, e-mail: nynke.dekker@physics.ox.ac.uk Only applications received before midday 16 June 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of three referees as part of your online application.
We are looking to hire an outstanding experimentalist for an exciting project at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry that has as its goals to understand the response of RNA polymerase to DNA damage-induced transcription stress. This post is fixed term for 3 years. **What are you going to do?** In this fully-funded project, you will: • employ advanced biophysical instrumentation based on optical trapping or fluorescence microscopy to study RNA polymerase and its response to DNA damage-induced transcription stress; • develop an interdisciplinary skillset by acquiring a practical knowledge of protein purification, ensemble biochemistry, and sample preparation to support your biophysical studies; • interact with biochemist and structural biology collaborators based at Oxford and in the Netherlands (Erasmus MC and Netherlands Cancer institute) in the context of collaborative projects; • come up with suggestions to expand the interdisciplinary skillset as necessary for the benefit of the project; • employ simulations and data analysis routines to analyze your data; • help to establish a scientifically outstanding and warmly communicative interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford; • publish your results together with collaborators; • have the opportunity to obtain teaching experience and improve your leadership skills while guiding undergraduate and graduate students; **About the project** Unperturbed gene expression is vital for correct functioning of cells. RNA polymerase II is the enzyme that transcribes genes into mRNA, enabling subsequent protein synthesis. Its transcriptional activity is continuously challenged by the occurrence of DNA damage, resulting from exposure of DNA to cellular metabolites and environmental agents. Bulky and helix-distorting DNA damage physically blocks the forward movement of transcribing RNA polymerase II. Such DNA damage-induced transcription stress can lead to severe cellular dysfunction, death and senescence, and is believed to be a major contributor to aging-related diseases, such as neurodegeneration, and neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy. You will perform biophysical experiments to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind these aging-related phenotypes. A willingness to learn and employ biochemical approaches and interact with external collaborators in molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Oxford and in the Netherlands is essential. In doing so, you will publish high-quality scientific papers to advance this exciting field. **Requirements** For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking an excellent scientist with: • a successfully completed Ph.D. degree (or close to obtaining) in quantitative biochemistry or biophysics; • practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas; • strong experimental and quantitative skills; • an interest in working in biophysics while interfacing with biochemist and structural biology collaborators (and developing a biochemistry skillset to enable this if not already present); • an independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest in working in a small team; • good interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in the broader fields of replication and transcription, thereby contributing to collaborative work and to our interactive lab culture; We look for friendly and driven colleagues to enrich our team. **We would like to welcome our new colleague in the 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 at the University of Oxford. The lab focuses its studies on understanding DNA replication and related molecular motor-based processes from a quantitative perspective _in vitro_. 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. Performing experiments 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** For more information about these positions please contact Prof. Nynke Dekker, e-mail: nynke.dekker@physics.ox.ac.uk Only applications received before midday 16 June 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of three referees as part of your online application.
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_________________________________________________________________________ Job Description and Selection Criteria Job title Post-Doctoral Research Associate Division Condensed Matter Physics Department Physics Location Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford Grade and salary Grade 7: £38,674 - £46,913 per annum Hours Full time Contract type Fixed-term from time of appointment for 36 months Reporting to Prof Laura Herz Vacancy reference 179895 Closing date – midday on 1 July 2025 Additional information Research topic Advanced Device Concepts for Next-Generation Photovoltaics Principal Investigator / supervisor Supervisor: Prof Laura Herz Project team Professor Laura Herz (PI) Project web site https://www-herz.physics.ox.ac.uk Funding partner Recent publications The funds supporting this research project are provided by UKRI/ EPSRC, UK Advanced Functional Materials 34, 2315942 (2024), Advanced Materials 35, 2210834 (2023), Advanced Materials 35, 2305009 (2023) The role Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant who will work on an exciting new UKRI/EPSRC project entitled “Mastering charge-lattice interactions in novel semiconductors for renewable energy generation”. This collaborative project will tackle the complex array of exciting fundamental science arising in “soft” inorganic and hybrid semiconductors, seeking to develop new understanding to bridge the gap between existing models for well-established hard and soft semiconductors. The resulting discoveries will provide a blueprint for light-harvesting materials, guiding and accelerating the development of next-generation inorganic and hybrid crystalline semiconductors for the net-zero carbon transition. The unusual properties displayed by such materials, including structural flexibility, strongly anharmonic lattice potentials, ionic migration, nanoscale assembly, or complex charge-screening processes are still poorly understood despite their critical impact on electronic properties and hence device performance. The project will provide a paradigm shift in our fundamental understanding of the charge-lattice interactions that govern such effects. Specifically, the project will reveal how interactions between photogenerated charge carriers and their surrounding ionic lattice affect parameters such as charge-carrier mobilities and recombination, and light-driven lattice instabilities that are critical to performance in energyharvesting devices. Materials explored will expand from an initial selection of semiconducting metal halides, chalcohalides, metal chalcogenides, bismuth- and antimony-based materials. Through observations across grouped materials clusters, this programme will link charge-lattice interactions to attributes such as stoichiometry, electronic and structural dimensionality, lone-pair chemistry, structural flexibility, vibrational and dielectric response, lattice softness and anharmonicity, and ionic mobilities. Importantly, an examination of charge-lattice interaction across such a vast range of semiconducting materials in unison will enable patterns to be discernible that could not be discovered through work carried out on isolated materials. This ambitious programme will further co-ordinate activities across a large number of Project Partners and collaborators, inspiring new synthetic activity and providing design tools urgently needed for computational materials screening. This PDRA role will utilize several state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques, such as transient photoluminescence, absorption & photoconductivity experiments and structural probes, to reveal new understanding of light harvesting materials with intermediate lattice softness. Through a powerful combination of advanced spectroscopic and structural techniques, this postdoctoral project will establish clear correlations and mechanisms linking core properties critical to efficient light-harvesting with basic material properties at an atomistic, electronic and structural level. The post will be based in the sub department of Condensed Matter Physics and will report to Professor Laura Herz. Responsibilities • Undertake the research activities described in the Project description of work and as requested by your Supervisor. • Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. • Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols. • Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate. • Contribute ideas for new research directions. 179895 LMH_PG7_jd-and-person-spec-physics-OF-2.docx 2 • Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone. • Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles with other group members and external collaborators. • Prepare project deliverables and reports with other group members and external collaborators • Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment, including Class 4 lasers. • Working with heavy metals, such as lead and selenium. • Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques. • If asked to by your supervisor, take responsibility for specific equipment and laboratory infrastructure, including equipment maintenance, to enable the smooth running of the laboratory. • Observe and maintain laboratory safety protocols throughout your work. The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties: • Working with category 3b or 4 lasers (laser safety class) • Work with any substance which has any of the following pictograms on their MSDS: • Travel outside of Europe or North America on University Business Selection criteria Essential • • • • • • • • Applicants should possess or be close to obtaining a PhD in physics, materials science or physical chemistry. Demonstrated expertise in advanced optical spectroscopic techniques and modelling, such as ultrafast (sub-picosecond) photoluminescence, absorption or photoconductivity techniques. Knowledge of semiconductor physics. Track record of working with next-generation novel materials for light-harvesting Good track record of high-quality publications. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Applicants should be highly motivated and have excellent skills in working collaboratively and constructively as part of a team. The ability to direct your own research and interpret your results independently. Desirable 179895 LMH_PG7_jd-and-person-spec-physics-OF-2.docx 3 • • • Experience with metal halide semiconductors Experience with cryogenics and cryogenic equipment such as helium flow cryostats. Experience with advanced modelling and programming, e.g. relating to photon management, charge-carrier transport and cooling Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences Division The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University of Oxford. The MPLS Division's 10 departments and 3 interdisciplinary units span the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and undertake both fundamental research and cutting-edge applied work. Our research addresses major societal and technological challenges and is increasingly focused on key interdisciplinary issues. We collaborate closely with colleagues in Oxford across the medical sciences, social sciences and humanities, and with other universities, research organisations and industrial partners across the globe in pursuit of innovative research geared to address critical and fundamental scientific questions. For more information please visit: http://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/ Athena Swan Charter The Department of Physics holds a silver Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. How to apply Before submitting an application, you may find it helpful to read the ‘Tips on applying for a job at the University of Oxford’ document, at www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/supportandtechnical/. If you would like to apply, click on the Apply Now button on the ‘Job Details’ page and follow the on-screen instructions to register as a new user or log-in if you have applied previously. Please provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will also be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants). Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. 179895 LMH_PG7_jd-and-person-spec-physics-OF-2.docx 4 Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing departments. If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments) If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly recruitment@physics.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Pre-employment screening Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard preemployment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references. We advise all applicants to read the candidate notes on the University’s preemployment screening procedures, found at: www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/preemploymentscreening/. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82, which with effect from 1 October 2023 will be 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. 179895 LMH_PG7_jd-and-person-spec-physics-OF-2.docx 5 Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 179895 LMH_PG7_jd-and-person-spec-physics-OF-2.docx 6 Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for all University staff. The University Club offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service website includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits With one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector, and a range of flexible working options, Oxford aims to be a family-friendly employer. We also subscribe to the Work+Family Space, a service that provides practical advice and support for employees who have caring responsibilities. The service offers a free telephone advice line, and the ability to book emergency back-up care for children, adult dependents and elderly relatives. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/my-family-care Childcare The University has excellent childcare services, including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at many other private nurseries. For full details, including how to apply and the costs, see https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/ Disabled staff We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further details, including information about how to make contact, in confidence, with the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, see https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including the Oxford Research Staff Society, BME staff network, LGBT+ staff network and a disabled staff network. You can find more information at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is an organisation run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. 179895 LMH_PG7_jd-and-person-spec-physics-OF-2.docx 7
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Research Grade 7: £38,674 -£46,913 per annum
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We are looking to hire an outstanding experimentalist for an exciting project at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry that has as its goals 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: • 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; • develop an interdisciplinary skillset by acquiring a practical knowledge of protein purification, ensemble biochemistry, and sample preparation to support your biophysical studies; • come up with suggestions to expand the interdisciplinary skillset as necessary for the benefit of the project; • help to establish a scientifically outstanding and warmly communicative interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford; • 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 how the different components of the molecular machinery (the replisome) work together to achieve this successfully is an area of highly active research. Here, you will take on the exciting challenge of **understanding the _dynamics_ of DNA replication** by studying the activity of eukaryotic replisome at the single-molecule level. You will examine replisome composition, replisome motion dynamics, and the interplay between these two quantities; and examine how these change in the context of chromatin or obstacles on the DNA. To do so, you will design and employ novel biophysical instrumentation (e.g. optical tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence, microfluidics, cryo-electron microscopy) and analyze the resulting datasets using biophysical modelling. A willingness to learn and employ biochemical approaches and interact with external collaborators in molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Oxford and elsewhere in the United Kingdom is essential. In doing so, you will publish high-quality scientific papers to advance this exciting field. **Requirements** For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking a biophysicist, with: • a successfully completed Ph.D. degree (or close to obtaining) in biophysics or microscopy; • practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas; • strong skills and interest in building instrumentation to address biological questions; • strong quantitative skills in data analysis and programming; • professional experience with force spectroscopy methods (e.g. optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, or atomic force microscopy) is a plus; • interesting in developing a biochemistry skillset to enable interdisciplinary research; • an independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest in working in a small team; • good 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. **We would like to welcome our new colleague in the 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 at the University of Oxford. The lab focuses its studies on understanding DNA and RNA replication 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. Studying the dynamics of DNA and RNA replication 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** For more information about these positions please contact Prof. Nynke Dekker, e-mail: nynke.dekker@physics.ox.ac.uk Only applications received before midday 16 June 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of three referees as part of your online application.
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Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcription stress
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Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in advanced spectroscopic techniques applied to next-generation semiconductors for light-harvesting applications. The position is available for a fixed term of 36 months from time of appointment. This project is associated with a new EPSRC/UKRI-funded project entitled “Mastering charge-lattice interactions in novel semiconductors for renewable energy generation”. This collaborative project will tackle the complex array of exciting fundamental science arising in “soft” inorganic and hybrid semiconductors, seeking to develop new understanding to bridge the gap between existing models for well-established hard and soft semiconductors. The resulting discoveries will provide a blueprint for light-harvesting materials, guiding and accelerating the development of next-generation inorganic and hybrid crystalline semiconductors for the net-zero carbon transition. Materials explored will expand from an initial selection of semiconducting metal halides, chalcohalides and metal chalcogenides. The unusual properties displayed by many of these materials, including structural flexibility, strongly anharmonic lattice potentials, ionic migration, nanoscale assembly, or complex charge-screening processes are still poorly understood despite their critical impact on electronic properties and device performance. The project will provide a paradigm shift in our fundamental understanding of the charge-lattice interactions that govern such effects. This PDRA role will utilize several state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques, such as transient photoluminescence, absorption & photoconductivity experiments and structural probes, to reveal new understanding of light harvesting materials with intermediate lattice softness. Through a powerful combination of advanced spectroscopic and structural techniques, this postdoctoral project will establish clear correlations and mechanisms linking core properties critical to efficient light-harvesting with basic material properties at an atomistic, electronic and structural level. Applicants should possess or be close to obtaining a PhD in physics, materials science, or physical chemistry. They should be highly experienced in advanced optical spectroscopic techniques and modelling, e.g. ultrafast (sub-picosecond) photoluminescence, absorption or photoconductivity techniques. Knowledge of semiconductor physics and a track record of working with next-generation novel materials for light-harvesting is essential. Applicants should be highly motivated and have excellent skills in working collaboratively as part of a team. A good track record of high-quality publications is essential. Having the ability to direct your own research and interpret your results independently is a must. The University of Oxford and the Department of Physics offer an inclusive and diverse environment and workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders to apply. The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. Please email Laura Herz about any questions regarding this post (laura.herz@physics.ox.ac.uk) Only applications received through the online portal before midday 1 July 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.
We are looking to hire an outstanding experimentalist for an exciting project at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry that has as its goals 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: • 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; • develop an interdisciplinary skillset by acquiring a practical knowledge of protein purification, ensemble biochemistry, and sample preparation to support your biophysical studies; • come up with suggestions to expand the interdisciplinary skillset as necessary for the benefit of the project; • help to establish a scientifically outstanding and warmly communicative interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford; • 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 how the different components of the molecular machinery (the replisome) work together to achieve this successfully is an area of highly active research. Here, you will take on the exciting challenge of understanding the dynamics of DNA replication by studying the activity of eukaryotic replisome at the single-molecule level. You will examine replisome composition, replisome motion dynamics, and the interplay between these two quantities; and examine how these change in the context of chromatin or obstacles on the DNA. To do so, you will design and employ novel biophysical instrumentation (e.g. optical tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence, microfluidics, cryo-electron microscopy) and analyze the resulting datasets using biophysical modelling. A willingness to learn and employ biochemical approaches and interact with external collaborators in molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Oxford and elsewhere in the United Kingdom is essential. In doing so, you will publish high-quality scientific papers to advance this exciting field. Requirements For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking a biophysicist, with: • a successfully completed Ph.D. degree (or close to obtaining) in biophysics or microscopy; • practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas; • strong skills and interest in building instrumentation to address biological questions; • strong quantitative skills in data analysis and programming; • professional experience with force spectroscopy methods (e.g. optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, or atomic force microscopy) is a plus; • interesting in developing a biochemistry skillset to enable interdisciplinary research; • an independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest in working in a small team; • good 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. We would like to welcome our new colleague in the 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 at the University of Oxford. The lab focuses its studies on understanding DNA and RNA replication 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. Studying the dynamics of DNA and RNA replication 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 For more information about these positions please contact Prof. Nynke Dekker, e-mail: nynke.dekker@physics.ox.ac.uk Only applications received before midday 16 June 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of three referees as part of your online application.
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Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in advanced spectroscopic techniques applied to next-generation semiconductors for light-harvesting applications. The position is available for a fixed term of 36 months from time of appointment. This project is associated with a new EPSRC/UKRI-funded project **entitled “Mastering charge-lattice interactions in novel semiconductors for renewable energy generation”**. This collaborative project will tackle the complex array of exciting fundamental science arising in “soft” inorganic and hybrid semiconductors, seeking to develop new understanding to bridge the gap between existing models for well-established hard and soft semiconductors. The resulting discoveries will provide a blueprint for light-harvesting materials, guiding and accelerating the development of next-generation inorganic and hybrid crystalline semiconductors for the net-zero carbon transition. Materials explored will expand from an initial selection of semiconducting metal halides, chalcohalides and metal chalcogenides. The unusual properties displayed by many of these materials, including structural flexibility, strongly anharmonic lattice potentials, ionic migration, nanoscale assembly, or complex charge-screening processes are still poorly understood despite their critical impact on electronic properties and device performance. The project will provide a paradigm shift in our fundamental understanding of the charge-lattice interactions that govern such effects. This PDRA role will utilize several state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques, such as transient photoluminescence, absorption & photoconductivity experiments and structural probes, to reveal new understanding of light harvesting materials with intermediate lattice softness. Through a powerful combination of advanced spectroscopic and structural techniques, this postdoctoral project will establish clear correlations and mechanisms linking core properties critical to efficient light-harvesting with basic material properties at an atomistic, electronic and structural level. Applicants should possess or be close to obtaining a PhD in physics, materials science, or physical chemistry. They should be highly experienced in advanced optical spectroscopic techniques and modelling, e.g. ultrafast (sub- picosecond) photoluminescence, absorption or photoconductivity techniques. Knowledge of semiconductor physics and a track record of working with next- generation novel materials for light-harvesting is essential. Applicants should be highly motivated and have excellent skills in working collaboratively as part of a team. A good track record of high-quality publications is essential. Having the ability to direct your own research and interpret your results independently is a must. The University of Oxford and the Department of Physics offer an inclusive and diverse environment and workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders to apply. The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. Please email Laura Herz about any questions regarding this post (laura.herz@physics.ox.ac.uk) Only applications received through the online portal before midday 1 July 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.
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