Welcome to MCB's newest faculty member, Thomas Mann, who will join us as an assistant professor of Immunology and Molecular Medicine (IMM) on January 1, 2026. The Mann Lab will study how post-translational signaling is intertwined with differentiation in CD8 T cells. Using genetics, proteomics, and mouse models of cancer and viral infection, the lab will dissect signaling pathways to identify new targets for immunotherapy.
 

Research by IB's Adjunct Assistant Professor Juan Liu on a newly discovered fossil fish is being used to reshape the origin story of freshwater fish evolution. Read more in the Berkeley News article here. 

We are excited to announce the recipients of our annual MCB Outstanding Postdoc Awards! Each year, the department honors postdocs for excellence in research, leadership, and service. 

 

Erin Doherty (Doudna Lab) discovered a new role for cyclic nucleotides in immune signaling, revealing how cells use a novel toxin–antitoxin system to protect against viral anti-defense.
 

To combat the disparaging numbers of marginalized students opting out of pursuing STEM careers, a study was conducted by several IB researchers, including Jennifer Imamura, Tamara Mau, Joshua Povich, Timothy Herrlinger, Julianne M. Winters, and other collaborators. The research aims to address the growing concerns of equity and inclusion in academic and professional fields by creating and implementing the Faculty Optimizes Student Success (FLOSS) program, which relies on the feedback and cooperation of faculty members to foster an inclusive learning environment where students can become better equipped for their professional goals. Read the full article here.

Genomic research on the Turkana of northwestern Kenya, led by IB’s Julien Ayrole and Vanderbilt University’s Amanda Lea, in collaboration with Kenyan researchers and the Turkana community, reveals genetic adaptations developed for surviving the scorching and unforgiving desert conditions through an animal-based diet. The research concludes that the existence of these genetic adaptations may predispose individuals from the Turkana community to chronic diseases as the community transitions from pastoralist lifestyles to urban cities. Read the full Berkeley News article here.

The Berkeley Bioengineering undergraduate program remains in the top 10 programs nationally, ranking 8th in the latest rankings released by US News & World Report.

The first-ever measurements of ethanol content in fruits available to wild chimpanzees, conducted by Robert Dudley and IB graduate student Aleksey Maro, suggest that these animals may routinely ingest the equivalent of over two standard alcoholic drinks daily. Read the full Berkeley News article here. 

Professor of Molecular Therapeutics Jennifer Doudna was recently named the recipient of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes leading scientists and researchers in the field for their professional accomplishments and contributions to research, education and leadership. Read more about the 2026 ASM award recipients here. 
 

Professor of Molecular Therapeutics Susan Marqusee was selected as one of the Class of 2025 Protein Society Fellows. This honor, awarded by the Protein Society, recognizes current or past members of the Society who have demonstrated excellent science and service to the Society and the protein science community. Read more about the Protein Society Fellows here.   
 

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology James Nuñez was appointed as one of six 2025 Vallee Scholars. This award, from The Vallee Foundation, is awarded to early-career researchers at a pivotal stage of their tenure-track careers. Read more about the 2025 Valle Scholars here. 
 

Professor of Molecular Therapeutics James Olzmann is the recipient of the 2026 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Avanti Award in Lipids. This award recognizes outstanding research contributions in the area of lipids. Read more about Olzmann and the other recepients of the award here. 
 

Congratulations to Priya Moorjani on her promotion to MCB Associate Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development!

The Moorjani Lab focuses on questions in human population genetics and evolutionary biology to understand evolutionary history and its impact on human adaptation and disease. Read more about the Moorjani lab and their research. 
 

Bay Area Biotech Day 2025: Bridging Academia and Industry for Transformative Drug Discovery

 

Research out of the lab of assistant professor Victor Ortega-Jiménez and collaborators show how wing-like fans on the feet of ripple bugs inspire a novel propulsion system for miniature robots. Read the full Berkeley News article.  

MCB is pleased to welcome our newest graduate students to the department! Learn fun facts about their favorite model organisms, childhood career aspirations, and more. 
 

Photo credit: Shoey Sindel Photography
 

Interested in becoming a UC Berkeley faculty member in MCB? We are now accepting applications for an Assistant Professor for the MCB Division of Molecular Therapeutics (MTx).  

Learn more and apply by October 20, 2025. 

Interested in becoming a UC Berkeley faculty member in MCB? We are now accepting applications for an Assistant Professor for the MCB Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine (IMM).  

Learn more and apply by October 20, 2025. 

Assistant Professor Cara Brook is one of 22 researchers to be named 2025 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences. Read more here.

Assistant Professor (Affiliated) of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology Ana Arruda is one of 22 researchers to be named 2025 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences. This award from the Pew Charitable Trusts is given to early-career scientists to uncover fundamental insights about human health and disease.

Professor of Molecular Therapeutics James Olzmann was named one of the fourteen American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) 2025 Fellows. This award honors exceptional contributions to cell biology and the Society. Read more about the ASCB Fellows here.