Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcription stress

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in single-molecule biophysics of DNA damage-induced transcription stress.

We are looking to hire an outstanding experimentalist for an exciting project at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry that has as its goals to understand the response of RNA polymerase to DNA damage-induced transcription stress.

This post is fixed term for 3 years.

What are you going to do? 

In this fully-funded project, you will:

• employ advanced biophysical instrumentation based on optical trapping or fluorescence  microscopy to study RNA polymerase and its response to DNA damage-induced transcription stress;
• develop an interdisciplinary skillset by acquiring a practical knowledge of protein purification, ensemble biochemistry, and sample preparation to support your biophysical studies;
• interact with biochemist and structural biology collaborators based at Oxford and in the Netherlands (Erasmus MC and Netherlands Cancer institute) in the context of collaborative projects;
• come up with suggestions to expand the interdisciplinary skillset as necessary for the benefit of the project;
• employ simulations and data analysis routines to analyze your data;
• help to establish a scientifically outstanding and warmly communicative interdisciplinary team at the University of Oxford;
• publish your results together with collaborators;
• have the opportunity to obtain teaching experience and improve your leadership skills while guiding undergraduate and graduate students;

About the project

Unperturbed gene expression is vital for correct functioning of cells. RNA polymerase II is the enzyme that transcribes genes into mRNA, enabling subsequent protein synthesis. Its transcriptional activity is continuously challenged by the occurrence of DNA damage, resulting from exposure of DNA to cellular metabolites and environmental agents. Bulky and helix-distorting DNA damage physically blocks the forward movement of transcribing RNA polymerase II. Such DNA damage-induced transcription stress can lead to severe cellular dysfunction, death and senescence, and is believed to be a major contributor to aging-related diseases, such as neurodegeneration, and neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy. You will perform biophysical experiments to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind these aging-related phenotypes. A willingness to learn and employ biochemical approaches and interact with external collaborators in molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Oxford and in the Netherlands is essential. In doing so, you will publish high-quality scientific papers to advance this exciting field.

Requirements For this innovative, interdisciplinary project, we are looking an excellent scientist with:

• a successfully completed Ph.D. degree (or close to obtaining) in quantitative biochemistry or biophysics;
• practical experience and scientific maturity in the above areas;
• strong experimental and quantitative skills;
• an interest in working in biophysics while interfacing with biochemist and structural biology collaborators (and developing a biochemistry skillset to enable this if not already present);
• an independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest in working in a small team;
• good interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in the broader fields of replication and transcription, thereby contributing to collaborative work and to our interactive lab culture;

We look for friendly and driven colleagues to enrich our team. We would like to welcome our new colleague in the fall of 2025.

Information and application

For more information please contact Prof. Nynke Dekker, e-mail: nynke.dekker@physics.ox.ac.uk

Only applications received before midday 16 June 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of three referees as part of your online application.

Advert information