Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single Molecule Biophysics
Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single Molecule Biophysics to work under the supervision of Professor Madhavi Krishnan for a period of 12 months. The project involves work in the broad area of soft condensed matter at the nanometer scale and has a specific interest in measuring and understanding electrostatics in molecular-scale matter, e.g., biological macromolecules.

Professor Krishan is looking from highly motivated and committed individuals to engage in an ambitious research program applying the new electrometry technique to important molecular measurement problems. A few areas of interest include detection and measurement of charge changing post-translational modifications in proteins, the detection of folded state and molecular conformation, as well that of molecular binding affinities, all using molecular electrical charge in solution as the primary readout.

The experimental approaches used by the group centre around optical imaging and spectroscopy and nanofabrication techniques. The work also relies on theory and simulation, specifically focusing on numerical mean-field electrostatics calculations and Brownian Dynamics simulations.

Find out more about the Krishnan group:

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in physics, biophysics, physical chemistry, biochemistry, or a related area, (or be close to completion) prior to taking up the appointment. The research requires expertise in, single molecule fluorescence experiments: specifically in building or modifying experimental set-ups for optical imaging and spectroscopy, and experience with data analysis with experience or ability of being able to perform basic biochemical work with proteins and DNA, e.g., fluorescence labelling, enzymatic reactions.

You will be expected to manage your own academic research and administrative activities, this involves small scale project management, coordination multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. You will also test hypothesis and analyses scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining hypothesis as required.

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA and is available as soon as possible.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday, Monday 18 September 2023.

The University of Oxford is a Bronze Athena SWAN holder and the Department of Chemistry is a Silver award holder. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.

University of Oxford