University of California, Irvine
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Postdoctoral Research Position - Li Lab University of California, Irvine in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Postdoctoral scholar salary depends on experience; salary range listed as $69,073-$82,836.
Deadline
Mar 1, 2027
Country
United States
University
University of California, Irvine
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About this position
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Irvine is recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to join Dr. Han Li in the Metabolic Engineering and Synthetic Biology laboratory. The project sits at the intersection of computational protein design, enzyme engineering, and experimental biocatalysis, with a strong emphasis on building integrated workflows that connect in silico design with high-throughput validation.
The research program focuses on integrated computational–experimental enzyme engineering to advance biocatalysts through tightly coupled design and testing cycles. The successful candidate will work on sequence- and structure-based enzyme mining and design, homology-based discovery, SSN-guided mining, ML-assisted sequence exploration, active-site remodeling, conformational engineering, and de novo or semi-rational enzyme design. The role also includes directed evolution workflow development, library design, evolutionary trajectory analysis, and fitness landscape modeling.
Experimental work in the lab includes development of screening and selection platforms using microplate, droplet, cell-free, or growth-coupled systems, as well as assay development based on UPLC, LC, and GC-MS. The position also spans biochemical and chemical biology approaches such as enzyme kinetics, mechanistic enzymology, small-molecule interface biology, and biocatalytic process development. The broader aim is to support translationally relevant enzyme engineering with quantitative, mechanism-informed design principles.
The postdoctoral scholar will be part of an interdisciplinary environment that bridges theory, AI/ML tools, state-of-the-art computational protein design methods, and laboratory implementation. The role is suitable for a researcher who wants to contribute to advanced enzyme engineering and biocatalysis research within a university setting that combines chemical engineering, synthetic biology, and data-driven experimentation.
Funding details
Postdoctoral scholar salary depends on experience; salary range listed as $69,073-$82,836.
What's required
A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, or a related field is required at the time of application. Demonstrated expertise in enzyme engineering, protein design, or closely related areas is required, and experience spanning both computational and experimental domains is preferred. Strong organization and communication skills are required.
How to apply
Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least 3 references through the UC Irvine RECRUIT system. Use the provided application link and ensure all required materials are uploaded before the deadline.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.