Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biochemistry and biophysics of DNA replication

We are looking to hire an ourstanding experimentalist for an exciting project
at the interface of biochemistry and biophysics that has as its goals to
understand the dynamics of eukaryotic DNA replication.



This post is fixed term for 4 years





**What are you going to do?**



In this fully-funded interdisciplinary and highly collaborative project, you
will:



• use your knowledge of ensemble biochemistry and protein purification to
design experiments in DNA replication;



• develop novel biochemical approaches that enable experiments in DNA
replication at the single-molecule level;



• come up with suggestions to expand the interdisciplinary skillset as
necessary for the benefit of the project;



• perfrom both ensemble and single-molecule experiments that enhance our
understanding of DNA replication;



• develop your quantitative analysis skills and use these 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 other biochemists and biophysicists 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 biochemical
approaches (e.g. protein purification, protein labelling, ensemble assays)
that report on DNA replication as well as enable single-molecule studies
(using optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence, or a
combination of the above). Integrating such approaches with the knowledge or
methods of cryo-electron microscopy is also of interest. You should have an
intrinsic interest in integrating biochemical and biophysical approaches, and
interacting 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 biochemist, with:



• a successfully completed Ph.D. degree in biochemistry or closely related
feld;



• practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas;



• strong skills and interest in DNA-protein interactions, DNA replication, and
protein biochemistry;



• strong experience in protein purification;



• experience with single-molecule methods is a plus;



• a strong motivation to develop a combined biochemistry/biophysics skillset
(e.g. understanding of mechanochemistry, single-molecule kinetics, protein
biochemistry and biophysics, cryo-EM) in 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 would like to welcome our new colleague in the fall of 2024.**





**Who are we?**



**The Nynke Dekker Lab** (http://nynkedekkerlab.tudelft.nl/ ) is a highly
successful single-molecule biophysics research lab that is transitioning to
the University of Oxford from TU Delft in summer 2024. 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, 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 (UK time) on 28 March 2024