Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single Molecule Analytics

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single Molecule Analytics

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 project involves a combination of optical imaging, nanofabrication, data analysis, and biochemical familiarity and experience.

We are looking for a highly motivated and driven postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in single molecule measurements to join the group and contribute to a wave of ongoing developments deploying the escape‑time technology on a broad range of measurement problems in biology.

• Perform single molecule fluorescence experiments, building or modifying optical imaging set‑ups.
• Carry out data analysis and basic biochemical work with proteins and DNA.

• PhD in physics, biophysics, biochemistry, physical chemistry, engineering, or a related area, or have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment.
• Strong interest in instrumentation and single molecule measurements.
• Experience in optical imaging and nanofabrication.
• Data analysis skills and ability to work with basic biochemical assays.

Salary (£) : £39,424 per annum (inclusive of Oxford University Weighting)

Closing date for applications: 12.00 midday, Thursday 30 July 2026, UK time.

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.