Yi-Chih Lin

Dr. Yi-Chih Lin is an assistant professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin (2021-current). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania (Chemistry, Zahra Fakhraai, 2012-2017) and was a postdoctoral associate at Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC (Anesthesiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Simon Scheuring, 2017-2021). In 2021, Yi-Chih joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin.
 

Dr. Lin’s research interests lie in biophysics, focusing on the interface of physical chemistry, structural and molecular biology, artificial intelligence in image processing and object recognition, and instrumental development. The Lin group is dedicated to uncovering how the structural dynamics of biomolecules—including lipids, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids—correlate with their physiological functions. To achieve this, the lab pioneers the development of High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM) and other advanced biophysical tools to directly visualize single-molecule processes with high spatial and temporal resolution. We develop new approaches to gain mechanistic insight into key molecular signaling pathways related to human diseases and construct new reagents, probes, and materials for curing diseases.  

Current research areas include exploring the structure-function relationship of membrane proteins in native-like environments, investigating the properties of biological membranes and their interactions with proteins, studying protein self-assembly and aggregation, and elucidating protein-nucleic acid interactions. The lab utilizes HS-AFM to capture real-time structural and functional dynamics (10 frames per second) of biomolecules with exceptional resolution (~1 angstrom vertically, ~1 nm laterally) in physiological fluids and under diverse environmental conditions. 

To accomplish this, our multidisciplinary lab combines expertise in chemistry, biology, and engineering to tackle these significant biomedical challenges. The Lin lab fosters an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes training, innovation, and discovery. We welcome motivated students and postdocs to join our collaborative efforts at the intersection of biophysics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and artificial intelligence. If you would like to learn more about our work or explore opportunities in the lab, please don’t hesitate to contact Prof. Lin.

POSTDOC OPENINGS

Applicants with a strong background in biophysics, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, instrumental designs, or artificial intelligence are strongly encouraged to apply. Please email Yi-Chih a CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the lab.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Prospective graduate students are welcome to apply to the Chemistry PhD program.