PDRA in Single-Molecule Transcription in Bacterial Cells

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, Chatzimichail, Lab-on-a-chip 2024) 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 is also known for the development of the Nanoimager microscope and the founding of Oxford Nanoimaging (https://oni.bio/). 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, and for technology development. 

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 apply novel single-molecule and super-resolution techniques, and data-analysis methods, while employing an multi-disciplinary approach that involves collaboration with a team of physicists, microbiologists, and data scientists within the group. We are particularly interested in experimentalists passionate about the use of sensitive microscopies to address bacterial mechanisms, especially in the context of phase-separated assemblies.

The ideal candidate should possess (or soon obtain) a doctorate in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field. Experience in cell imaging, bacterial and molecular biology, fluorescence labelling, and protein-DNA/RNA interactions is essential. Experience in controlling and operating single-molecule/super-resolution microscopes for bacterial imaging, and experience in image and time-series analysis is also essential. Programming knowledge in Python and MATLAB, as well as in bacterial transcription and condensates is highly desirable. 

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 (Achillefs.Kapanidis@physics.ox.ac.uk)

Only applications received before midday Jan 31st 2025 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.

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