Donghui Zhang
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Postdoctoral Scholar in Molecular Origins of Life and Prebiotic Coacervate Catalysis Louisiana State University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
The project is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Salary or stipend details are not specified. Eligible employees and dependents may receive LSU benefits including health, life, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement options, leave, paid holidays, wellness benefits, tuition exemption for qualified positions, and other benefits.
Deadline
Jan 13, 2027
Country
United States
University
Louisiana State University
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About this position
Louisiana State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Molecular Origins of Life to investigate how primitive molecular systems may have developed catalytic functions relevant to the emergence of life.
The project will experimentally test the FoldCat hypothesis in collaboration with theoretical and experimental colleagues at SUNY and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The research will examine whether out-of-equilibrium synthesis of short, random peptide-like chains can generate longer protein-like sequences with catalytic activity, helping clarify mechanisms that may have preceded biological evolution and the emergence of life.
The postdoctoral researcher will design, synthesize, and characterize random peptoid or peptide copolymers containing hydrophobic and polar monomers. They will study relationships among chain composition, chain length, and the formation and stability of primitive coacervates in the presence of prebiotic molecules. The project also involves evaluating the catalytic activity of polymer/prebiotic-molecule coacervates in promoting peptide or nucleic-acid elongation.
Research methods include controlled polymerization, polymer fractionation and purification, recycling SEC, HPLC, mass spectrometry, biophysical analysis, X-ray and light-scattering characterization, and microscopic imaging. The researcher will also prepare reports, participate in team meetings, present findings at conferences, and contribute to publications.
The position is based in the LSU Science–Chemistry–Macromolecular research environment and is supervised by Professor Donghui Zhang, with collaboration from Ken Dill at SUNY and Ronald Zuckermann at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The work combines polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, materials science, prebiotic chemistry, molecular self-assembly, and origin-of-life research.
Funding details
The project is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Salary or stipend details are not specified. Eligible employees and dependents may receive LSU benefits including health, life, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement options, leave, paid holidays, wellness benefits, tuition exemption for qualified positions, and other benefits.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline and have experience synthesizing and structurally analyzing self-assembled biomimetic or bioderived polymers. Preferred qualifications include experience with controlled polymerization, polymer fractionation and characterization, biophysical analysis, structural characterization using X-ray and light scattering, microscopic imaging, and advanced research methods including recycling SEC, HPLC, and mass spectrometry. Applicants must submit a CV, a summary of research experience, three representative publication reprints, and at least two references, including references from their PhD and any previous research. Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain it throughout employment; a background check is required, and foreign degrees require credential evaluation.
How to apply
Apply through the LSU Careers portal using the direct posting link. Upload a CV, research-experience summary, three representative publication reprints, and at least two references.
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Professors
Professor
United States
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Polymer Chemistry
Self-assembly
Lipid Chemistry
Block Copolymer
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.