Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single Molecule Biophysics

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single Molecule Biophysics

University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom

The Krishnan Lab works in the broad area of soft condensed matter at the nanometer scale and has a long- standing interest in measuring and understanding the properties and interactions of molecular-scale matter, e.g., biological macromolecules.

Recently the group pioneered “molecular stereometry” –- a new experimental approach to measuring a molecule’s size and shape in the solution phase (Science 2025). Our microchip-based escape-time technology platform now enables measurements of the physical properties of macromolecules such as their electrical charge, size and 3D conformation with unprecedented precision, one at a time and in real time (Nature, 2010; Nature Nanotechnology, 2012, 2017; Science 2025). The experimental approaches used in our work centre around optical imaging and spectroscopy and nanofabrication. The work also relies on theory and simulation, specifically focusing on numerical mean-field electrostatics calculations and Brownian Dynamics simulations.

The group is looking for a highly motivated and driven postdoctoral researcher to contribute strongly to a wave of ongoing developments deploying the escape-time technology on a broad range of measurement problems in biology. This position requires expertise in single molecule fluorescence experiments: specifically, experience and a strong interest in instrumentation, focusing on building or modifying experimental set-ups for optical imaging. Experience and interest in data analysis and the ability to perform basic biochemical work with proteins and DNA will be highly rated in the selection process. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, physical chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related area, or have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment.