Join Us
We are building an interdisciplinary research group spanning protein design, biomolecular engineering, protein–material interfaces, and bioelectronics. We welcome researchers who are excited to pursue fundamental molecular questions and translate their discoveries into new materials and technologies.
Postdoctoral Opportunities
We are recruiting postdoctoral researchers across three complementary tracks. The first two are immediate, project-oriented openings, while the third provides greater flexibility to develop an original research direction.
1. Immediate Opening: Protein Design and Biochemistry
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in biochemistry, protein engineering, structural biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, biophysics, or a related field.
This position is supported by an international research program and will integrate computational and experimental approaches to design proteins with programmable structures and functions. The successful candidate will have opportunities to participate in international collaborations, including collaborative research with the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington.
Relevant expertise may include:
• Recombinant protein expression and purification
• Molecular cloning, mutagenesis, and plasmid construction
• Protein engineering and functional screening
• Biochemical and biophysical characterization
• Structural characterization or computational protein design
Candidates are not expected to have experience in every area. Strong experimental biochemistry expertise, combined with an interest in learning computational or interdisciplinary approaches, is particularly welcome.
Starting date: Immediately or as soon as possible.
2. Immediate Opening: Protein Interfaces, Biomaterials, and Characterization
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to investigate and engineer interactions among proteins, materials, and bioelectronic systems.
This position is particularly suited to candidates with backgrounds in materials science, biomaterials, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, analytical chemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, biophysics, or related disciplines.
Potential research activities include:
• Developing protein-functionalized materials and biointerfaces
• Investigating protein immobilization, orientation, conformational dynamics, and interfacial behavior
• Characterizing protein–material systems using electrochemical, surface, and biophysical methods
• Developing molecular sensing, bioelectronic, or adaptive biomaterial platforms
• Collaborating with researchers in protein engineering and computational protein design
Experience with one or more techniques such as electrochemistry, AFM, SPR, QCM-D, fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy, or related surface-characterization methods is desirable. Candidates with strong biomaterials or characterization expertise who are interested in expanding into protein-based systems are encouraged to apply.
Starting date: Immediately or as soon as possible.
3. Flexible Postdoctoral Opportunity: Emerging Research Directions
We also welcome applications from researchers who would like to develop a more flexible, longer-term research direction within—or adjacent to—the group’s interests.
This opportunity is open to candidates from diverse scientific and engineering backgrounds. Your expertise does not need to align exactly with our current projects. We are especially interested in researchers who bring novel ideas, complementary capabilities, or an unconventional perspective that could open a promising new direction.
Potential areas may include:
• Programmable biomolecular assembly
• Adaptive and responsive biomaterials
• Computational or data-driven molecular engineering
• Bioelectronics and biointegrated systems
• Other original directions proposed by the candidate
Applicants should be prepared to articulate the research questions they would like to explore, how their expertise complements the group, and what distinctive direction they hope to establish. The project scope and starting timeline can be developed together with the selected candidate.
Graduate Students and Research Assistants
We also welcome enquiries from prospective graduate students and research assistants interested in molecular engineering, protein science, biomaterials, biointerfaces, sensing, bioelectronics, or related emerging areas.
Students and research assistants may contribute to an established project or explore new questions aligned with the group’s broader research vision. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to contact us, particularly those who bring strong foundational expertise, intellectual curiosity, or ideas that connect disciplines in new ways.
How to Apply
Please email Dr. Jiaobing Tu at jiaobingtu@nus.edu.sg with:
• Your CV
• A brief description of your research experience and interests
• The position for which you are applying
• Your preferred starting date
• Contact information for references, if available