Overall purpose:
Research in the DNA motors Group led by Prof. Luis Aragon focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate genome architecture and dynamics. Current research interests in the lab include the characterization of the evolutionary conserved Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes; cohesin, condensin and Smc5/6.
Job Summary:
The post holder will develop and apply single-molecule based approaches to study the molecular mechanism of SMC complexes (Condensin, Cohesin and SMC5/6) in chromatin structure and DNA repair (see Cutts et al. EMBO, 2024; Cutts et al. Nat Comms, 2025). The proposed project will involve purification and imaging of these SMC factors with our cutting-edge C-trap (Lumicks). The successful applicant must hold a PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or equivalent. A strong experimental background and experience in single-molecule Biophysics are essential.
Main Responsibilities:
1. To plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims
2. To work both independently and on collaborative projects
3. To attend project and related research group meetings
4. To interact and collaborate with group members
5. Write-up and publish of work in peer-reviewed journals
6. To take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS
7. To attend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentations
8. Present findings at national and international meetings
9. To form excellent working relationships with other members of the group, and internal and external collaborators
10. To assist others and co-supervise students when required
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Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):
Essential:
11. PhD (or equivalent experience) in an area of Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or any other related discipline.
12. Excellent experimental skills
13. Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions
14. Single Molecule Imaging experience (optical or magnetic tweezers)
15. Advanced imaging analysis skills
Desirable:
16. Protein Purification
Previous work experience required (will be assessed from the application form and at the interview):
Essential:
17. Extensive experimental/bench work experience
18. Experience in Biophysics/Biochemistry
19. Experience with Molecular Biology methods
20. Evidence that the candidate can plan and carry out a research project
21. Experience working on eukaryotic SMC complexes, particularly Smc5/6
Desirable:
22. Experience handling, purifying and labelling nucleic acids and proteins
Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from the application form and at the interview):
Essential:
23. Excellent knowledge of DNA/protein handling and purification
24. Knowledge of nucleic acids/protein biology/biochemistry
25. Experience with microscopy/imaging methods
26. Experience with single-molecule methods
27. Experience working on eukaryotic SMC complexes
28. Strong publication record
29. Excellent written communication skills in English
Desirable:
30. Familiarity with combining experimental and computational methods
31. Excellent experimental skills
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities (will be assessed at the interview):
Essential:
32. Highly motivated
33. Cautious thinker
34. Ability and desire to work in a collaborative research environment
35. Very good interpersonal skills
36. Willingness to share knowledge and transfer skills to other members of the group on a daily basis
37. Excellent verbal communication skills in English
Desirable:
38. Evidence of ability to conduct research independently
39. Pro-actively seek innovative solutions to scientific problems
40. Willingness to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment
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