Postdoctoral researcher in Single-Molecule Imaging in Living Cells

Fixed term for 48 months

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant for the Gene Machines’ group, led by Prof Achilles Kapanidis. 

The group is well known for developing single-molecule and single-cell fluorescence methods (Uphoff PNAS 2013; Robb, Sci Reports 2019; Zagajewski, Nature Comm Biol 2023) and applying them to proteins functioning on DNA and RNA (Stracy, PNAS 2015; Mazumder, PNAS 2020; Mazumder, eLife 2021; El Sayyed et al Mol Cell 2024). The group recently moved in the new Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery (https://kavlinano.ox.ac.uk/), a vibrant environment for interdisciplinary research at the interface of physical and biological sciences.  

The project focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of gene transcription, by visualising the biochemical reaction, its kinetics, and key conformational changes at the single-molecule level, and in real-time within the crowded environment of a living cell. This approach will lead to new discoveries and insightful comparisons with in vitro studies, and help identify new steps for antibiotic development.

To achieve this exciting goal, you will develop and apply novel single-molecule and super-resolution imaging techniques and data-analysis methods, while employing an interdisciplinary approach that involves collaboration with a team of biologists, biochemist and data scientists within the group. We are particularly interested in experimentalists passionate about microscopy and its applications to biological systems.

The ideal candidate should possess (or soon obtain) a doctorate in Physics, Biophysics, or related field, and have knowledge of C/C++, Python, and MATLAB. Experience in assembling, controlling and operating single-molecule instrumentation and microscopes for biological studies, and experience in image and time-series analysis is essential. Experience with automation algorithms, LabVIEW programming, and single-molecule localization is desirable. Experience in cell imaging, bacterial and molecular biology, fluorescence labelling, and protein-DNA/RNA interactions is desirable, but not required.

You should have excellent communication skills and enjoy working within an interdisciplinary group. You will manage academic and administrative activities, develop ideas for generating research income, collaborate on reports and journal articles, and have the opportunity to teach.

Please direct enquiries to Prof Kapanidis ([email protected])

Only applications received before midday 27th March 2024  can be considered. You will be required to upload a statement of research interests, CV, copies of two representative publications (or, alternatively, manuscripts in preparation) and details of three referees as part of your online application.