A position is available in the group of Professor Lori Goldner at the Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, for an individual interested in studying molecular folding and/or interactions in crowded or confining environments using single molecule optical techniques.  Existing or planned projects include a study of protein aggregation or polymerization one-molecule-at-a-time; the measurement of structural changes during transient nucleic acid/protein complex formation; or the triggering and observation of irreversible transformation on a single protein or complex. 

The use of confining environments – such as subfemtoliter water droplets, liposomes, or cell compartments – both facilitates these studies and enhances their relevance to biological systems.  The use of single molecule measurement techniques permits us to understand in detail the dynamics and kinetics of biological molecular interactions.  The use of techniques that involve single molecule manipulation permits us to construct complex systems from their individual building blocks, and to study and control the emergence of new collective properties and behaviors.

The successful candidate will work as part of an exciting and growing effort at the University of Massachusetts in single molecule techniques, cytoskeletal biophysics, protein folding and membrane biophysics.  There is considerable opportunity for a sufficiently motivated and talented individual to forge new collaborations and propose related projects.

Interested individual should contact Professor Goldner at lgoldner@physics.umass.edu or call 413 545 0594, and send a cv and contact information for 3 references.