Laboratory Introduction
The Zhu laboratory at CIMR is dedicated to exploring the frontiers of biocompatible chemistry, genetic code expansion, and new strategies for protein targeting，with the aim of enhancing drug discovery capacity and developing more effective therapies for human diseases by leveraging the insights and tools derived from our research.
Major Research Projects:
a. Development of GPCR-targeting biologics.
b. Design, develop, and optimize new biocompatible reactions.
c. Development of new protein targeting strategies based on bioorthogonal chemistry.
d. Peptide-based drug and chemogenetic tool discovery based on Non-canonical display platform.
Major Contributions:
a. Developed one-step transformation of carboxylic acids and alcohols via oxygen-centered radicals to simplify the synthesis of drugs and bioactive molecules (Organic Letters, 2015; ACS Catalysis, 2016; Nature Communications, 2018; Angewandte Chemie, 2020).
b. Developed tryptophan (Nature Chemistry, 2024) and phenylalanine (Nature Chemistry, 2026, Accepted) decaging techniques, achieving functional regulation of various levels of biological interactions (peptide-peptide, peptide-protein, protein-protein, cell-cell) and potentially regulate over 28,000 proteins' functions in living cells.
c. Developed a broad-spectrum small molecule-responsive allosteric protein switch, revealing new phosphorylation sites related to mitochondrial tyrosine kinases, and studied their relationship with mitochondrial quality control (In preparation).
Representative Publications:
a. Nat. Chem., 2024, 16: 533-542. DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01463-7
b. Angew Chem, 2020, 59: 19851-19856. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202007187
c. Nat. Commun., 2018, 9:2625. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05014-w
d. ACS Catal. 2016, 6: 6465-6472. DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.6b02074
e. Org. Lett., 2015, 17: 4702-4705. DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b02155
a. Provide postdoctoral researchers with backgrounds in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry with training in biomacromolecule‑ and live‑cell‑compatible chemical reactions, covering cutting‑edge areas such as biocompatible reactions, peptide‑protein chemistry, non‑natural amino acid incorporation techniques, and protein targeting technologies.
b. The laboratory places a strong emphasis on novel biotechnologies applicable to drug screening and development. For postdoctoral researchers with backgrounds in biology and basic medicine, we provide training in the construction of GPCR cellular reporters as well as in high‑throughput screening based on non‑natural amino acid incorporation techniques.
c. Postdoctoral researchers will receive training to leverage the aforementioned technical platforms for developing chemical biology tools, revealing biological mechanisms, and developing drugs.
Open Positions
Postdoctoral Researcher
Main Responsibilities:
a. Conducting research projects independently.
b. Assisting PI to mentor graduate students, write grant proposals and manuscripts.
Qualifications:
Direction 1: Organic Synthesis / Medicinal Chemistry Background
a. Having a background in organic synthesis or medicinal chemistry, and either about to obtain or recently obtained a Ph.D. degree (ideally within the last 2 years).
b. Candidates with research experience in organic synthesis or medicinal chemistry are preferred. The laboratory will provide systematic training to help you apply your prior expertise in synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry to cutting-edge fields such as bioorthogonal chemistry and peptide/protein chemistry.
Direction 2: Stable Cell Line Construction / Molecular Cloning Background
a. Holding a Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline (ideally within the last 2 years).
b. Substantial experience in establishing stable cell lines, proficient in lentiviral/retroviral packaging, transduction, selection, and validation. Expertise in molecular cloning techniques (Gateway, Gibson, In-Fusion, etc.). Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is preferred.
c. Proven ability to conduct independent research, demonstrated by a first-author publication in a reputable journal in the field (or a paper accepted for publication).
d. Proficient in English reading, writing, and daily communication. Capable of writing papers in English.
Welfare Treatment
a. Competitive salary based on the job applicant's work experience and abilities (salary negotiable).
b. Social insurance, paid annual leave, physical examination and supplementary medical insurance, etc.
c. Opportunities for career development and available professional guidance.
How to Apply
Please send a resume, research interest, the names and contacts of 2-3 referees and other materials demonstrating research capabilities to yuchaozhu@cimrbj.ac.cn, and indicate the applicant's name and specific job position in the email subject.
Contact person: Dr. Zhu
This recruitment is valid for the long term until a suitable candidate is recruited.
10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
010-86738999
cimr@cimrbj.ac.cn
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