Single molecule science: new experimental approaches to measuring the charge, size and 3D conformation of single biomolecules in solution

Prof. Madhavi Krishnan's group is looking for bright, highly motivated and committed students for PhD research in the broad area of single molecule biophysics and nanoscience. Our lab has recently developed the ability to trap molecular-scale entities in solution, e.g., biological macromolecules such as proteins and DNA, without the use of external forces (Nature, 2010; Nature Nanotechnology, 2012; Nature Nanotechnology, 2017; Science 2025). This "field-free" trap now enables us to study and measure the physical properties of macromolecules such as their electrical charge, size and conformation with unprecedented precision, in real time.

Our new experimental platform holds wide-ranging implications as a next generation chip-based bioanalytical technology and we are currently looking for bright, highly motivated PhD students with a strong background in physics, engineering, biophysics, or physical chemistry, and a keen interest in experimental work to join us in a range of exciting new problems in this emerging area of single molecule measurement. The experimental side of our work mainly involves optical imaging, nanofluidics and nanofabrication. We are interested in students with a keen interest in physics/physical chemistry/engineering based experimental work in any or several of the following areas: nanoscience, optics and microscopy, nanofabrication, single molecule measurements, biophysics and biochemistry. Interest in theoretical modelling is also highly welcome, as PhD projects in our group tend to have a significant contribution of experiment, data analysis and computational work.

The group offers a close-knit vibrant environment for highly motivated individuals in cutting edge scientific discovery and technological innovation areas. Interested applicants should send a cover letter (explaining your background and motivation), CV including contact information for your references, and publication record (if applicable) as a single PDF file by email to madhavi.krishnan@chem.ox.ac.uk