The Lin Lab is hiring for 2 projects!

1. Testing new voltage indicators and optogenetic actuators for assessing and correcting brain diseases in collaborations with other Stanford labs. Job posting.

2. Developing new protein engineering paradigms by combining machine learning with deep assembly technology, and generating new types of biochemical activity sensors (collaboration with Kobilka and Tawfik labs)

The Lin Lab engineers proteins to enable sensing and control of biological events in living systems. By integrating fundamental chemical and physical principles with high-throughput, structure-guided engineering, we create technologies that address major unmet needs in neuroscience and cancer.

Current efforts include GFP-based voltage indicators for direct imaging of neuronal electrical activity at kilohertz speeds, noninvasive bioluminescent sensors for monitoring hormones and neurotransmitters across the brain–body axis, photoswitchable proteins for precise temporal control of protein therapeutics, and rewiring of cancer signaling to therapeutic outcomes.

Our previous innovations include fluorescent proteins with novel spectral properties, NanoLuc substrates for bright bioluminescence imaging in vivo, and viral protease-based approaches for drug control of protein function —  all of which are now widely adopted tools in biological research.

Michael Z. Lin is currently Professor of Neurobiology and Bioengineering at Stanford University. He received an A.B. summa cum laude in Biochemistry (Harvard). After PhD training in biochemistry and neurobiology with Michael Greenberg at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Lin received his MD from UCLA, then performed postdoctoral research in protein engineering with Chemistry Nobel Laureate Roger Y. Tsien at UCSD. Dr. Lin is a recipient of a Burroughs Wellcome Career Award for Medical Scientists, a Rita Allen Scholar Award, a Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award, and a NIH Pioneer Award. Follow Dr. Lin at bksy.app