• About Photonics4Life
• Research
• Activities
• Industry
• Training
• Events
• News

Supported by

       

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Novel single-molecule fluorescence techniques for the analysis of biomolecular interactions

Single molecule spectroscopy gives unique insight into the behaviour of molecules and their interactions. This project aims to explore new ways to visualise single-molecules and single biomolecular aggregates for longer time scales, implement multicolour imaging techniques to investigate the dynamics of complex biological systems and develop a new framework to investigate the folding dynamics of RNA while it is being transcribed. We are seeking candidates with experience in some of the following areas: single-molecule fluorescence, optical spectroscopy and molecular biology and with a strong interest to develop cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the interface between physics and molecular biology.

Photonics is recognised as one of the strengths of Scottish Universities. The School of Physics and Astronomy (RAE 2nd equal in the UK and top in Scotland, 95% internationally recognised, excellent or leading) at St Andrews has strong activities in photonic crystals, optical parametric oscillators, polymer optoelectronics, semiconductor optoelectronics, ultrashort pulsed lasers, microchip lasers, quantum degenerate gases, experimental quantum optics, optical micromanipulation and biophotonics. The School of Biology (RAE 95% internationally recognised, excellent or leading) has strong expertise in both cellular and molecular aspects of Biology, with excellent facilities from high throughput crystallography, proteomic studies and also standard imaging technology. Most aspects of biology are also investigated including neurobiology though to virology. St Andrews Biology is recognised as a centre of excellence at an international level and is involved in many ongoing trans-national research programmes. The interdisciplinary nature of research at St Andrews is highlighted by the new £45M Interdisciplinary Medical Research Institute, and the world leading Centre for Biomolecular sciences which bring Biology, Chemistry Medicine and Physics all together.

In particular we have built a major reputation in the area of Biophotonics in the last five years. We are looking for three new persons to join our Biophotonics team on the following distinct projects. Posts 1 - CD015/09 and 2 - CD016/09 are part of a new £1.2M Bioplatform grant given from the EPSRC, and post 3 - CD017/09 is a MRC discipline hopper award. The aim will be for the successful persons to undertake a number of collaborative feasibility studies in these areas with the aim of fostering new strands of Biophotonics research. Posts 1 and 2 are available for two years, in the first instance and post 3 for one year. A PhD in an appropriate area is required.

Informal enquiries to Dr Carlos-Penedo Esteiro Tel: 01334 463106 or e-mail: jcp10@st-andrews.ac.uk

More information found here.