The Lucks Lab at Northwestern University brings together biologists, engineers, and computational scientists to explore the fascinating world of RNA, biophysics, and synthetic biology. As a world leader in RNA and synthetic biology research, the lab is an integral part of Northwestern University—one of the world’s premier research institutions—and the Center for Synthetic Biology, one of the largest concentrations of synthetic biology research in the world. We love asking big questions, building new tools, and turning fundamental discoveries into technologies that can benefit society. Located along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois, with close access to Chicago’s vibrant scientific and cultural communities, the lab provides exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth. The Lucks Lab also emphasizes strong mentoring and leadership training, and many former members have gone on to launch independent academic careers and careers in the biotech industry. If you are interested in being a part of our lab, keep reading to learn about how to get involved.
Postdocs
We are currently looking to welcome two postdoctoral researchers to our team!
RNA Structure + Function Postdoc
We are seeking a creative and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to help us revolutionize the measurement, modeling, and engineering of RNA systems. Our laboratory has pioneered high-throughput approaches to study dynamic RNA systems (Nature Structural and Molecular Biology doi: 10.1038/nsmb.3316; Molecular Cell doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.017). We recently made a breakthrough with Probing Resolved Inference of Molecular Energetics (PRIME, bioRxiv doi:10.64898/2026.01.28.702231), a foundational framework key to enabling megascale analysis of RNA structure-function. Supported by the NIH, we are applying PRIME to natural and synthetic RNA systems for development of deep learning models for RNA function. We are looking for postdoctoral researchers eager to lead innovative projects tackling long-standing RNA folding problem.
What we are looking for: The Lucks Laboratories provide a highly energetic, multidisciplinary, and collaborative research group at the bleeding edge of RNA biology, biophysics and synthetic biology. We are looking for people from diverse backgrounds (molecular biology, systems biology, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biophysics, computer science, and more) who are driven to creatively tackle challenging problems in RNA biology and engineering. Desired skills include next-generation sequencing and data analysis, biophysical modeling of RNA structure, and AI/ML approaches for biomolecules. Previous post-doctoral researchers have come from biochemistry/molecular biology backgrounds and have flourished.
Who we are: The Lucks Lab is a world leader in RNA structure, biophysics and synthetic biology. It is an integral part of Northwestern University, one of the world’s premier research universities, and the Center for Synthetic Biology, one of the largest concentrations of synthetic biology research in the world. Northwestern University is located along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan in Evanston, IL, and provides researchers exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth in a setting enhanced by the richness of Chicago. The Lucks Lab emphasizes strong mentoring and leadership training, and many members have gone on to launch independent academic careers and careers in the biotech industry.
To Apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing their career ambitions and goals for a successful postdoc, along with their complete CV and the names of three references to csb@northwestern.edu with the subject heading “Lucks Lab Post-Doctoral Application”. Please note that letters of reference are not required at this time, and we will seek your permission before contacting your references.
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Cell-free Biosensing + Materials Postdoc
We are seeking postdoctoral researchers interested in working at the interface of synthetic biology, materials, and agriculture to join our team. The broad goal of the research is to develop ‘smart’ programmable materials embedded with biological components to actuate, strengthen, or degrade upon exposure to triggers. Such materials have application from sustainable agriculture to wound healing. The Lucks Lab is leading efforts to engineer biosensors for embedding into ‘smart’ materials. We have a long history of developing cell-free biosensing systems (Nature Biotechnologydoi:10.1038/s41587-020-0571-7, Nature Chemical Biology doi:10.1038/s41589-021-00962-9, Science Advancesdoi:10.1126/sciadv.add6605).
What we are looking for: We seek highly motivated individuals that can contribute to i) biosensor design and engineering, ii) cell-free systems engineering, and iii) materials engineering (vesicles/hydrogels). The post-doc will work in the Lucks Lab and as part of a larger team including group members from Professors Danielle Tullman-Ercek, Neha Kamat and Ashty Karim. Applications from chemists, biologists, and engineers are welcome, and those with computational experience are also encouraged to apply. Candidates that have experience in cell-free systems, biosensors, artificial cells, polymer science, protein and genetic circuit engineering, AI/ML engineering approaches, and high-throughput liquid handling assay development are particularly sought after.
To Apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing their career ambitions and goals for a successful postdoc, along with their complete CV and the names of three references to csb@northwestern.edu with the subject heading “Lucks Lab Post-Doctoral Application”. Please note that letters of reference are not required at this time, and we will seek your permission before contacting your references.
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Graduate Students
Current Northwestern students are encouraged to contact Julius directly to discuss potential research projects and lab rotations, depending on their graduate program. Prospective students from outside Northwestern should apply directly to Northwestern graduate programs.
Undergraduate/Master Students
Specific projects may be listed here when applicable, otherwise please reach out via email if you are interested in exploring research in the lab. While you’re here, check out the funding opportunities available to Northwestern students as well!
Lucks Laboratory 