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Open Positions for Research Assistants in Zhu Lab
Date:2026-05-06

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

 

Lab Website: https://www.cimrbj.ac.cn/en/channel/1863484388000534528.html

 

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: Research Assistant

Main Responsibilities:

a. Conduct independent research or assist the team in carrying out research work.

b. Manage and oversee daily operations and administrative affairs of the laboratory.

 

Qualifications:

a. Direction 1: Organic Synthesis / Medicinal Chemistry Background

· Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or a related field.

· Must master basic operations in organic synthesis or medicinal chemistry; laboratory research experience is preferred.

b. Direction 2: Stable Cell Line Construction / Molecular Cloning Background

· Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Basic Medicine, or a related field.

· Proficient in basic techniques such as molecular cloning, plasmid extraction, and cell culture; experience in stable cell line construction is preferred.

c. Strong self-motivation, good communication and teamwork skills.

d. Good English reading, writing, and daily communication skills; ability to write scientific 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.