Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA replication

We are looking to hire an outstanding experimentalist for an exciting project at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry that aims 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 project, you will:

• develop and employ novel advanced biophysical instrumentation based on optical trapping and/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 instrumentation;

•         strong quantitative skills in data analysis and programming;

•         experience with optical tweezers or single-molecule fluorescence microscopy is a plus;

•         a strong motivation to develop a combined biophysics/biochemistry skillset (understanding of mechanochemistry, single-molecule kinetics, protein biochemistry and biophysics) in interdisciplinary research;

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

•         strong publication record;

•         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 summer or 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 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, please contact Prof. Nynke Dekker, e-mail: [email protected].

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) onApril 30th 2024