Jamie M. Withers is a Research Fellow in the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde. Jamie's research focuses on the synthesis of novel nucleic acids, and the development of methods to control DNA assembly. Jamie received a Bachelor of Sciecnce degree majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry, a Bachelor of Science with Honours majoring in Chemistry, and a PhD from Massey University, New Zealand. Jamie worked as a Research Associate at the University of Strathclyde from 2015-2018, at the Univeristy of Edinburgh in 2018, before returning to the University of Strathclyde for his current position.

Jamie's research is focused on developing new methods for controlling the assembly of nucleic acids. This includes the design and study of artificial nucleotides with properties not found in natural systems. Although normally considered in a biological context, the 'genetic code' of DNA and RNA can be exploited to convert these biomolecules into molecular construction equipment. By carefully programming its base sequence, DNA can be designed in such a way that it self-assembles into complex 'origami' shapes. Jamie's work is aimed at creating new tools to improve the properties of this DNA origami, including developing nucleotides capable of coordinating to transition metal ions in order to control G-quadruplex formation, and has more recently involved exploiting the fluorous effect as a means of controlling the immobilisation of nucleic acids onto nano-patterned surfaces.