Research Fellow (Single-molecule biophysics)

The Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS), officially launched on 1 December 2022, is a Research Centre of Excellence (RCE) supported by a total investment of around S$160 million over 10 years. IDMxS’ overarching approach is to go beyond the neat simplicity of intermolecular interactions in dilute media and embrace the inherent complexity of biological interactions and dense heterogeneity of their environments. For more details, please view https://idmxs.org/ and https://www.tianjinyanglab.com/

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Research Fellow to join our team and lead an exciting project on how biomolecular condensates regulate enzyme function. We use quantitative single-molecule approaches to link enzyme structure, dynamics, and kinetics in both condensate and dilute environments. By integrating complementary measurements across timescales, we investigate conformational state switching, reaction dynamics under non-equilibrium conditions, and molecular mobility and permeability within dense phases.

Responsibilities:

• Research Leadership: Spearhead an independent project decoding how biomolecular condensates regulate enzyme function .

• Tool Engineering: Design and validate novel molecular probes or synthetic condensates, leveraging genetic engineering or generative protein design.

• Data acquisition: Apply advanced single-molecule spectroscopy methods to measure molecular dynamics in vitro and in cell.

• Output: Drive the publication (scientific papers and conference presentations) of high-impact findings.

Requirements:

• PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or a closely related field

• Strong track record of experimentation and quantitative thinking

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets and communicate results clearly (talks, manuscripts)

• Strong motivation, reliability, and ability to work both independently and with a team

• Experience with single‑molecule spectroscopy techniques (e.g. smFRET, FCS)

• Expertise in protein/DNA biochemistry, including labelling strategies, expression, purification, activity assays, and reconstitution

• Data analysis skills are advantageous, particularly experience with MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar platforms

• Experience in live‑cell imaging is helpful but not required

• Experience with microfluidics (e.g. device operation, rapid mixing, or reaction control); fabrication experience is an advantage but not required

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU