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 fluorescence methods (Holden Nature Meth 2011; Gilboa Biophys J 2019) and applying them to DNA/RNA polymerases (Stracy, PNAS 2015; Duchi, Mol Cell 2016; Dulin Nature Comm 2018; Mazumder PNAS 2020) and to biomedically important microbial targets (Robb et al, Sci Rep, 2019).

The overall project is funded by Oxford Martin School and is a collaboration with colleagues in the John Radcliffe Hospital and the Oxford Big Data Institute, with the central aim being the development of rapid diagnostics of antimicrobial resistance in clinical samples. You will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team (including a machine-learning specialist and a microbiologist) to establish microscopy-based assays on single bacterial cells to determine their antibiotic resistance status; you will focus on the bacterial preparation and microscopy aspects of the work. Your work will also advance our basic understanding of the bacterial chromosome and bacterial physiology. 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.

The ideal candidate should possess (or soon obtain) a doctorate in Physics, Biophysics, Biophysical Chemistry or a related field, and experience in single-cell and/or single-molecule fluorescence, particle tracking, and quantitative cell imaging. Experience in developing single-molecule or other ultra-sensitive fluorescence microscopy instrumentation, and experience in microfluidics are essential. Experience in MATLAB programming, instrument control, image analysis, and time-series analysis is essential. Experience in bacterial imaging, molecular biology, fluorescence labelling, surface modification, nucleic acid interactions, antibiotics, and studies of genetic processes and chromosome organisation in cells is desirable, but not required. You should also have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills and able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary group.

Please direct enquiries to Prof Kapanidis a.kapanidis1@physics.ox.ac.uk

Only applications received before midday 5 February 2021 can be considered. You will be required to upload a statement of research interests, CV, copies of two representative publications and details of three referees as part of your online application.