Research Associate: Single-molecule Biophysics of DNA-protein Interactions

Are you interested in working as part of a collaborative team on an interdisciplinary project using cutting edge single-molecule biophysics techniques to understand the fundamental mechanisms of DNA-protein interactions underlying human health and disease?

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with an interest in understanding mechanisms of DNA damage repair. You will use optical-tweezers to investigate how proteins recognise and repair DNA damage by observing individual proteins acting on DNA at single-molecule resolution. You will join the Newton lab in the School of Biosciences, build on our existing expertise in this area. No existing experience of this technique is required, we will train you to become an expert in this powerful approach for uncovering novel mechanistic information about DNA-protein interactions.

You will work closely with our collaborators Dr Alice Pyne, an expert in high-resolution atomic-force microscopy, and Prof. Helen Bryant, renowned for her ground-breaking work on targeting DNA Damage Repair mechanisms for cancer therapeutics.

Your role will involve generating novel DNA substrates containing DNA damage and using purified recombinant proteins and nuclear extract from human cells to directly observe how DNA repair complexes process different types of DNA damage. We will investigate factors that affect recognition and repair of damaged DNA and will validate these findings with cellular DNA damage response assays including survival, molecular fibres, COMET assays and immunofluorescence and relate observed changes to susceptibility to cancer and response/resistance to chemotherapy.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field. A track record of multidisciplinary research in single-molecule microscopy, biophysics, molecular biology or a related discipline along with expertise in applying biochemical or biophysical methods to probe DNA structure or DNA-protein interactions are also essential. We welcome and will support applicants looking to apply for fellowships and establish independent research programs. The team has a strong track record of success and extensive experience in this and will work with the individual to help them achieve their career goals. Applications are strongly encouraged from individuals who may not meet all requirements, but who are excited to use biophysical tools to understand DNA-protein interactions.

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