Join the Wu Lab
We welcome inquiries from motivated students and researchers interested in RNA chemistry, molecular evolution, the chemical origins of life, and the engineering of artificial genetic systems. Prospective Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and other interested candidates are encouraged to contact us at lfwu@sjtu.edu.cn to discuss potential opportunities.
Postdoctoral Researchers
We invite applications from motivated and creative researchers interested in joining our laboratory in the following areas.
1. Polymerase Engineering and Enzymatic Synthesis of RNA and XNA
This position focuses on engineering nucleic acid polymerases through rational design and directed evolution to enable efficient synthesis of RNA, modified RNA, and xenonucleic acids (XNAs). Our goal is to develop versatile enzymatic platforms for nucleic acid synthesis and artificial genetic information processing.
Research directions include:
- Engineering DNA and RNA polymerases to improve substrate recognition, catalytic efficiency, fidelity, and processivity using protein engineering, directed evolution, and high-throughput screening.
- Developing enzymatic platforms for the synthesis of long RNA strands, modified RNAs, and XNAs, with the aim of achieving the efficiency and versatility of T7 RNA polymerase.
- Investigating polymerase structure–function relationships and the molecular mechanisms of nucleic acid synthesis.
- Developing enzymatic tools for the replication, amplification, and information transfer of artificial genetic materials.
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. (completed or expected) in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, synthetic biology, protein engineering, structural biology, or a related field.
- Experience in polymerase research, protein engineering, directed evolution, or high-throughput screening is preferred.
- Ability to conduct independent research and communicate scientific findings effectively in English.
- Strong scientific curiosity, creativity, and motivation to pursue challenging research questions.
2. Chemical Design and Synthesis of Artificial Genetic Materials
This position focuses on expanding the chemical diversity of nucleic acids beyond natural DNA and RNA, particularly through the design of alternative base-pairing systems and backbone structures. Research will involve the chemical synthesis of noncanonical nucleotides and oligonucleotides, followed by evaluation of their base-pairing properties, polymerase compatibility, and potential to store and transfer genetic information. Our goal is to develop artificial nucleic acid systems with novel chemical structures and genetic functions.
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. (completed or expected) in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a related field.
- Experience in nucleoside/nucleotide chemistry or organic total synthesis is preferred.
- Ability to conduct independent research and communicate scientific findings effectively in English.
- Strong scientific curiosity, creativity, and motivation to pursue challenging research questions.
What We Offer
- Interdisciplinary research: Access to excellent research facilities and opportunities to address fundamental questions at the interface of chemistry and biology.
- Research independence: Freedom to develop original research ideas and pursue innovative approaches in collaboration with the PI and other group members.
- International collaboration: Opportunities to work with research groups in origins-of-life chemistry, nucleic acid chemistry, and synthetic biology.
- Competitive salary: An anticipated annual salary of RMB 280,000–350,000, negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
- Career development: Support for professional development and applications to national and regional postdoctoral fellowship programmes.
We are committed to fostering a research environment built on innovation, excellence, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual support.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email the following materials to lfwu@sjtu.edu.cn:
- Curriculum vitae (CV);
- Selected publications and a brief summary of previous research;
- A statement of future research interests.
Email subject: Postdoctoral Application – Name – University – Research Area
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Ph.D. Students
The Wu Lab recruits approximately 1–2 Ph.D. students each year, with spring and autumn entry through Shanghai Jiao Tong University's application-based admission process.
We welcome motivated students with backgrounds in chemical biology, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or related fields. Candidates with bachelor's or master's degrees are encouraged to explore the relevant admission pathways.
For eligibility requirements and application procedures, please refer to the official Ph.D. admissions guidelines of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
How to Apply
Prospective students are encouraged to contact us in advance by emailing lfwu@sjtu.edu.cn with:
- Curriculum vitae (CV);
- A brief summary of previous research experience and interests.
Email subject: Ph.D. Application – Name – University – Research Area
Get in touch
Contact Us
Email:lfwu@sjtu.edu.cn
Office:Room 403, Building 4, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules
Address:Shanghai Jiao Tong University - Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, No. 1308 Keyuan Rd. Zhangjiang District, shanghai, China