Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Single-Cell Imaging of Antibiotic Resistance

Location: Sherrington Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU 

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; 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; El Sayyed et al Mol Cell 2024). The group is also known for the development of the Nanoimager microscope and the founding of microscopy company Oxford Nanoimaging (https://oni.bio/). The group is located 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. 

This post is fixed term for 22 months 

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 experts in machine-learning and microbiology) to establish microfluidics-enabled microscopy assays on single bacterial cells to determine their antibiotic resistance. Your work will also advance our basic understanding of 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 PhD in Biophysics, Engineering, Biotechnology or a related field. Experience in the following is essential: single-cell fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, image analysis, and machine learning (as applied to biological imaging). Python and MATLAB programming, especially in image analysis, are also essential. Finally, expertise in antimicrobial resistance and bacteriophages, and single-cell imaging of bacteria are essential. You should 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 18 November 2025 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.

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