Postdoctoral Research Position - Li Lab

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Irvine—Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering invites a Postdoctoral Scholar to join Dr. Han Li's laboratory of Metabolic Engineering and Synthetic Biology.

The postdoctoral position focuses on Integrated Computational‑Experimental Enzyme Engineering, advancing biocatalysts through tightly coupled in silico design and high‑throughput experimental validation. Salary depends on experience within the UC salary scale.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in enzyme engineering, protein design, and related areas with computational and experimental experience.
• Strong organization and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on integrated computational–experimental enzyme engineering projects.
• Develop and apply high-throughput screening methods for biocatalysts.
• Characterize enzyme kinetics and translate findings toward scalable processes.

Skills

Enzyme engineering

Protein design

Computational biology

Experimental validation

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

Position Overview

The University of California, Irvine—Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering invites a Postdoctoral Scholar to join Dr. Han Li's laboratory of Metabolic Engineering and Synthetic Biology. The postdoctoral position focuses on Integrated Computational‑Experimental Enzyme Engineering, advancing biocatalysts through tightly coupled in silico design and high‑throughput experimental validation. Salary depends on experience within the UC salary scale.

Research Focus

• Sequence‑and Structure‑Based Enzyme Mining and Design
  • Homology‑based discovery, SSN‑guided mining, and ML‑assisted sequence exploration
  • Structure‑guided active‑site remodeling and conformational engineering
  • De novo and semi‑rational enzyme design
• Directed Evolution Theory and Workflow Development
  • Library design strategies (focused, combinatorial, and machine‑learning‑guided)
  • Evolutionary trajectory analysis and fitness landscape modeling
  • Integration of predictive algorithms with experimental iteration cycles
• High‑Throughput Screening and Selection Platform Development
  • Microplate, droplet, cell‑free, or growth‑coupled systems
  • UPLC, LC, and GC‑MS based screening assay development
  • Automation and data‑driven optimization
• Biochemistry and Chemical Biology
  • Design, synthesis, and interface biology with small molecules
  • Enzyme kinetics characterization and mechanistic enzymology
• Biocatalytic Process Development and Translation
  • Cell‑free and whole‑cell systems
  • Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis
  • Scalability and industrial feasibility

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in enzyme engineering, protein design, or related areas closely linked to the research themes above. Experience spanning both computational and experimental domains is preferred.
• Strong organization and communication skills.

EEO Statement

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti‑discrimination policy.