Researcher/Higher scientific officer in Replication Dynamics

We are looking to hire an outstanding senior technical staff member (higher scientific officer) 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 through outstanding technical support and research in molecular biology and biochemistry focused on DNA replication.

What are you going to do?

In this position, you will:

•      Support the team effort in all aspects of protein purification (e.g. cell culture,  maintenance of cell lines, protein expression and purification, design and implementation of protein labelling) and ensemble biochemical assays in DNA replication;

•      Use your knowledge of ensemble biochemistry and protein purification to design experiments in DNA (and where appropriate, RNA) replication;

•      Develop, establish, and pursue appropriate analytical protocols and techniques to support the research and maintain accurate records of experiments and reagents to allow reproducibility;

•      Agree on clear task objectives and organise accordingly. Work in a flexible but organised manner;

•      Produce high-quality work suitable for publication in high impact journals and contribute to the writing of research articles at an (inter)national level for peer-reviewed journals;

•      Coach group members on specialist methodologies or procedures and delegate work to them where appropriate;

•      Improve your leadership skills while guiding undergraduate and graduate students;

•      Help to maintain general lab aspects including safety, equipment, and budget resources;

•      Contribute to the raising of research funds through grant applications;

•      Help to establish a scientifically outstanding and warmly communicative interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford.

About the project

Understanding DNA replication is important, because 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.  In our lab, we take on the exciting challenge of understanding the dynamics of DNA replication by studying the activity of eukaryotic replisome at the single-molecule level on both bare DNA and chromatin.

Taking on this challenge represents an interdisciplinary team effort that brings together biologists, biophysicists, biochemists, and data scientists within the group.  This research, carried out together with collaborators at the University of Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute, the Hubrecht Institute, and elsewhere, should lead to new discoveries and insights that inform our quantitative understanding of DNA replication and advance this exciting field while contributing to the next generation of in vitro single-molecule methods.

Requirements

For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking a biochemist, with:

•         A successfully completed Ph.D. degree in biochemistry or closely related field;

•         Substantial post-doctoral research experience;

•         Practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas, also as evidenced through your publication record;

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

•         Demonstrable experience and skill in protein purification;

•         Ability to independently plan and manage research projects;

•         Ability to contribute to the raising of research  funds;

•         An independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest to technically and scientifically support the functioning of a research team;

•         Good interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in the biomolecular sciences, 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 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 by June 2024. The lab focuses its studies on understanding DNA and RNA replication from a quantitative perspective. 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 actively support and interact with its members.

Information and application

For more information about these positions, or to apply, 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. Applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, with the final deadline for applications being 12 noon on June 15, 2024.