The Lin group is an interdisciplinary team of biophysicists seeking to discover the correlations between structural and functional dynamics among molecular machines, including proteins, peptides, membranes, and nucleic acids. We develop single-molecule techniques (HS-AFM, fluorescence microscopy & spectroscopy, electrophysiology, and electron microscopy), molecular & structural biology methodology, and instrument & computational developments. We are especially interested in scientists that are at the interface of biophysics, chemical biology, molecular biology, structure biology, biomedical engineering, and computer science. However, For specific job openings, see below:

Three Postdoc Openings 

(2023.10.02 updated)

Applicants with a strong background in atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, biophysics, molecular biology, or structural biology are strongly encouraged to apply. Enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a record of success in your graduate career are the only requirements. Please email Yi-Chih a CV and a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the lab. 

For more details: https://t.co/F465Ys64oE

Prospective postdocs are encouraged to reach out Yi-Chih via e-mail (yichih.lin@utexas.edu).

Graduate Students

Prospective graduate students with a strong background in analytical/physical chemistry, chemical biology, spectroscopy, molecular biophysics, biomedical engineering, or molecular dynamics simulation can join the lab by applying to Chemistry graduate programs at UT Austin (UT Chemistry PhD program). 

Prospective students are encouraged to reach out Yi-Chih via e-mail (yichih.lin@utexas.edu).

Undergraduate Students

The Lin Lab offers undergraduates at all stages in their studies (sophomore through senior) and in all of the disciplines listed above an opportunity to participate in research during the summer and the academic year.  There are no formal requirements (experience, year or major).  Research projects can be part of a directed research course, Merit Research, or can be independent of an academic curriculum.  However, all undergraduate researchers must commit to spending at least one full year in the group, including one summer (10 weeks, paid).

Typically, decisions will be made after 2-3 months of active participation in group meetings during the semesters. Usually, 1-2 undergraduates are hired every year under our mentoring program led by PhD students. The position details are below. 

Students that are interested in joining the lab are encouraged to email Yi-Chih (yichih.lin@utexas.edu) a resume, unofficial transcript, and a short (one-page) summary of their prior research project and research of interest. Short answers to the following questions: (1) Why are you interested in doing research? (2) What area of research most excites you and why? (3) What do you want to do when you graduate? should be included in the one-page summary. Applications without a one-page research statement will not be considered.

General Description: As a result of the multi-disciplinary nature of the research being pursued in the Lin group, undergraduate research projects are tailored to the undergraduate researcher’s interests within the general scope of the research activities of lab.  Example projects being pursued in the Lin Lab by undergraduate researchers include the fabrication of liposomes, the development of electronics and computational algorithms. Typically, all research is performed in-person in the lab space. 

In developing projects, Prof. Lin first meets with the undergraduate researcher to identify: 1) areas of interest and 2) areas of strength.  Typically, in a follow-up meeting, Prof. Lin assigns a student to a project related to those interests along with a PhD student or post-doctoral scholar mentor.

Undergraduate researchers in the Lin Lab work as part of a team comprised of students and post-docs from a wide range of academic backgrounds (chemistry, biophysics, electrical engineering, molecular biology, structural biology, biomedical engineering, and computation science).  However, they are expected to lead their portion of the project, taking and analyzing all data.  Undergraduates have previously been co-authors on publications and presented research at conferences.

Position Details: During the academic year, it is expected that students can commit on average 6hrs/wk to research. Part of this research can be performed for directed research credit (Chemistry, Seniors) or for Merit Research. Normally, all undergraduate student researchers are given desks. 

Requirements: There are no formal requirements (prior experience, year or major, GPA).  However, given the 12 month minimum requirement, preference is given to rising sophomores.