"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single Molecule Biophysics"

Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA.

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 this technology on a broad range of measurement problems in biology. The research requires expertise in single molecule fluorescence experiments: specifically in building or modifying experimental set-ups for optical imaging and spectroscopy. Experience with data analysis or the ability to perform basic biochemical work with proteins and DNA, e.g., fluorescence labelling, enzymatic reactions 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.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description.

Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, 4th September 2025, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Starting date: from the 1st October 2025

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.