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Institute of Physics

Research Assistant (Biophysics / Active Matter Physics / Bioengineering) 2 Person

【About Sakamoto Lab】
What is Life? How do lifeless molecules come together to create dynamic and purposeful living things? Newly founded in September 2025, “Laboratory of Designer Life” explores this fundamental question from physics viewpoints by combining experiments and theory. We take a bottom-up approach: instead of studying living cells as they are, we re-build key aspects of life in the lab, piece by piece, using building blocks of life. Our goal is to reveal the core principles underlying the beautiful self-organization of life. We seek people who are motivated to work on:

1. Developing experimental systems integrating microfabrication and purified biomolecules to observe their self-organization
2. Experimental measurements using microscopes, quantitative image analysis, and theoretical analysis
3. Basic administration such as ordering/managing lab items, reimbursement, and scheduling

【Research Focus】
Potential areas of exploration include but are not limited to:

1. Biomolecular Self-Organization: Explore to understand how nm-scale biomolecules spontaneously assemble into µm-to-mm-scale larger functional structures without any blueprint by developing innovative bottom-up systems
2. Engineering Life: Designing and building life-like systems that not only mimic but could potentially outperform natural cells, which will open up exciting opportunities in biotechnology and sustainable material development

Please visit our website for more details: https://sites.google.com/as.edu.tw/sakamoto-lab

【What We Offer】
1. Innovative Environment: Work at the forefront of biophysics, active matter physics, bioengineering, and synthetic biology
2. Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in advanced microfabrication and in vitro protein experimental techniques, scientific writing and presentation skills
3. Collaborative Culture: Join the team that is motivated to develop and share knowledge for mutual growth

【Who We Are Looking For】
We welcome applicants at all academic levels (B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D.) who are:

1. Able to pay attention to experimental details and take clear experimental notes
2. Able to learn through literature searches and discussions
3. Able to communicate with an open mind
4. Motivated to learn and apply new scientific techniques
5. Capable of communicating fluently in English as a working language

We value multidisciplinary backgrounds and welcome applicants from physics, biology, engineering, and related fields. Prior experimental/theoretical experience in related fields is a plus, but not mandatory.

9:00 – 18:00 with 1 hr of lunch break

No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei City 11529, Taiwan (Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica)

BS degree (1st year): NT$ 38,388/month or above MS degree (1st year): NT$ 44,968/month or above

Dr. Ryota Sakamoto

No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Rd., Nangang Dist., Taipei City 11529, Taiwan (Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica)

02-27896762

1. CV
2. A cover letter describing your motivation for joining our lab (why, what, how), future perspectives (e.g., career and/or general life plans), and training/work experience
3. (If applicable) Abstract of your Master’s/PhD thesis and your research experience/interests
*The documents are non-returnable

To apply, please email Dr. Ryota Sakamoto at rsakamoto@as.edu.tw with title: “RA application to Sakamoto Lab”. Screening of applications will begin in early December 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. We offer a flexible start date for the right candidates. For more information, please visit our website. If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Dr. Ryota Sakamoto (rsakamoto@as.edu.tw).

2025-11-25

2026-02-28