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Single Molecule Biophysics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$48K - $65K/yr

We leverage single-molecule super-resolution imaging, advanced lattice light sheet microscopy and other state of the art biophysical approaches to study molecular mechanisms of transcription, genome ...

The Pennsylvania State University

... single-molecule biophysics of the nucleosome, RNA polymerase II, and chromatin remodelers. The position requires a Ph.D. in an area of physical or biological sciences or equivalent doctorate in an ...

Emory University

Visiting Scholar

Atlanta, GA

... Biophysics or Biochemistry. Previous experience of working with purified proteins and/or single-molecule microscopy is beneficial but not required. To be considered, please submit your CV ...

Emory University

Visiting Scholar

Atlanta, GA · On-site

... Biophysics or Biochemistry. Previous experience of working with purified proteins and/or single-molecule microscopy is beneficial but not required. To be considered, please submit your CV ...

Emory University

Visiting Scholar

Atlanta, GA · On-site

... Biophysics or Biochemistry. Previous experience of working with purified proteins and/or single-molecule microscopy is beneficial but not required. To be considered, please submit your CV ...

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How much do single molecule biophysics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for single molecule biophysics in the United States is $21.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is single molecule biophysics?

Single molecule biophysics is a field of science that studies the physical properties and behaviors of individual biological molecules, such as proteins, DNA, and RNA. Unlike traditional biophysics that examines large populations of molecules, single molecule approaches provide detailed insights into molecular mechanisms, dynamics, and interactions. Techniques like optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy, and single-molecule fluorescence are commonly used. This research is important for understanding fundamental biological processes and can lead to advances in medicine and biotechnology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a single molecule biophysicist?

To thrive as a Single Molecule Biophysicist, you need a strong background in physics, chemistry, and molecular biology, usually supported by an advanced degree (PhD) in biophysics or a related field. Expertise in technical tools such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, and data analysis software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and collaborative communication are essential soft skills in this interdisciplinary field. These skills and qualifications enable accurate experimental design and interpretation, driving innovation and discovery at the molecular level.

What is the difference between Single Molecule Biophysics vs Molecular Biophysics?

AspectSingle Molecule BiophysicsMolecular Biophysics
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Biophysics, Physics, or related fieldPh.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focusing on single-molecule techniques, microscopy, and spectroscopyLaboratories studying molecular interactions, structural biology, and biophysical mechanisms
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companies
Common Search & ComparisonYes

Single Molecule Biophysics focuses on studying individual molecules using specialized techniques like fluorescence microscopy, while Molecular Biophysics examines the physical principles governing molecular interactions and structures. Both fields require advanced degrees and often overlap in research settings, but they differ in their specific methods and focus areas.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in single molecule biophysics research?

Professionals in single molecule biophysics often encounter challenges related to the complexity and sensitivity of experimental setups, such as maintaining equipment calibration and minimizing noise that can obscure single-molecule signals. Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams—often including physicists, chemists, and biologists—is essential to design experiments, interpret data, and troubleshoot technical issues. Additionally, staying up to date with rapidly evolving technologies and analytical methods is key for success, making continuous learning a significant part of the role.
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Single Molecule Biophysics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Single Molecule Biophysics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,307 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Director of Scientific Research, Single-molecule Imaging Center

Thecentermemphis

Memphis, TN • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Department of Structural Biology at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking to hire a Director of the Single-Molecule imaging Center (SMC) to lead an interdisciplinary team, whose backgrounds span computer science, engineering, applied math, biophysics and biology, to advance the frontiers of single-molecule research while also implementing focused strategies to work with non-experts seeking to incorporate single-molecule methods into their discovery pipeline.

Summary

The ideal candidate has extensive experience developing and utilizing single-molecule fluorescence microscopy methods to reveal new insights in biology and/or medicine and sufficient technical background to design and implement hardware and software solutions that facilitate instrument stability, experimental throughput and Center accessibility as well as teach and disseminate knowledge to non-experts.

The mission of the SMC at St. Jude is to push the frontiers of single-molecule methods development across multiple modalities, while making these technologies accessible to a broad user base of biology-focused scientists within the department of Structural Biology, and across the Institution and its affiliates.

The SMC houses a variety of cutting-edge single-molecule instruments, both in vitro and in living cells, with a mission to utilize these technologies for high-impact projects that advance the understanding and treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases, including infectious diseases and cancers. This includes instruments for confocal time-correlated single-photon counting (PicoQuant MT200), spinning disk confocal, objective-based TIRF, prism-based TIRF, combined fluorescence and optical trap (Lumicks C-Trap), and DNA curtain measurements. While some instruments have commercial foundations, most have been customized, or home-built, to maximize data quality, throughput, time resolution, and ease of use by non-experts. To facilitate engagement and the data colletion-to-publication processes, the SMC maintains bespoke software tools for instrument control, data acquisition (FLASH), and data analysis (SPARTAN) softwares, which are disseminated for widespread use by the single-molecule community.

Responsibilities
  • Direct Center activity on a day-to-day basis to ensure staff are efficiently tasked, instruments are properly functioning and correctly utilized, and data is appropriately managed.
  • Lead the planning and implementation of experimental strategies and next generation instruments to ensure the Center stays at the technological frontier.
  • Oversee and contribute to the development of software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and project management, pursuing continued technical advances while ensuring seamless operations.
  • Lead high-impact collaborations with laboratories at St Jude to leverage single-molecule methods for investigations of diverse biological systems with scientists who may not have previous experience.
  • Lead internal projects that advance the state-of-the-art methods enabling single-molecule research, including the design of new instrumentation that implements innovations in surface chemistry, fluorophore engineering, optical treatments, microfluidic strategies, camera technologies, software developments, and algorithms for robust analyses.
  • Establish policies and procedures for users and staff to maximize the productivity of Center resources and keep the instruments performing optimally.
  • Serve as manager for SMC staff members with diverse technical backgrounds.
  • Participate and contribute to seminars and conferences to present research findings, keep up-to-date on scientific research and emerging imaging technologies, disseminate knowledge about single-molecule methods and quantitation and recruit talent to the SMC and St. Jude.
Minimum Education and/or Training
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific discipline is required.
Minimum Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in relevant technical field (industry or academia) is required with a Bachelor's degree.
  • 8+ years of experience in relevant technical field is required with a Master’s degree.
  • 5+ years of experience in relevant technical field is required with a Ph.D.
  • Significant experience in a research functional area with experience managing mid-large teams in a leadership capacity with focus on both achievement of objectives as well as critical skill-building preferred.
  • Experience having led large-scale projects/processes through to implementation preferred.
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