Education

Dr. Zhi-Jun Tang obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Sichuan University in July 2014. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Chemical Biology at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, under the supervision of Prof. Wen Liu, graduating in July 2019. During his doctoral studies, he engaged in groundbreaking research involving the biosynthesis of natural products and the mechanisms underlying enzymatic reactions. His academic background, combined with rigorous research training, has equipped Dr. Tang with a robust foundation in chemical biology and a strong analytical skill set that supports his ongoing research endeavors in the field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zhi-Jun Tang’s professional trajectory includes significant roles at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC). He has served as an Associate Professor since September 2023, following a tenure as an Assistant Professor from November 2022 to August 2023. Prior to this, he worked as a Research Associate (Postdoc) under Prof. Wen Liu from July 2019 to October 2022, where he conducted pioneering research on natural product-related enzymology, biocatalysis, and fungal resistance mechanisms. His extensive experience in various research projects has enhanced his expertise in natural product synthesis and enzyme engineering. Dr. Tang has also contributed as a Graduate Research Fellow during his doctoral studies, solidifying his reputation as a skilled researcher in the academic community.

Research Interests

Dr. Zhi-Jun Tang’s research interests lie at the intersection of chemical biology and synthetic biology. He specializes in natural products biosynthesis, with a keen focus on elucidating the enzymatic mechanisms that govern the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. His work also encompasses biocatalysis, where he explores the potential of enzymes in synthetic applications, including cycloaddition reactions and enzymatic fluorination. Furthermore, Dr. Tang investigates protein engineering, aiming to enhance enzyme efficiency and selectivity for various synthetic processes. His research not only contributes to fundamental scientific knowledge but also has practical implications for drug discovery and environmental sustainability through the development of innovative biocatalytic systems.

Research Skills

Dr. Zhi-Jun Tang possesses a diverse range of research skills essential for his work in chemical biology and enzymology. He is proficient in various experimental techniques, including enzymatic assays, molecular cloning, and biochemical characterization of natural products. Dr. Tang has extensive experience with genome mining and bioinformatics tools to identify novel biosynthetic pathways and enzyme functions. Additionally, he employs synthetic biology approaches to engineer enzymes for specific catalytic activities. His ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experimentation allows him to address complex scientific questions effectively. Furthermore, Dr. Tang’s collaborative spirit and communication skills facilitate productive interactions with interdisciplinary teams, enhancing the impact of his research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhi-Jun Tang has received several accolades that reflect his commitment to excellence in research. In 2023, he was appointed as a Youth Editorial Board Member of Innovation Discovery, recognizing his contributions to the scientific community. He was also awarded the prestigious College Graduate Excellence Award of Shanghai in 2019, a testament to his outstanding academic achievements during his studies. In addition, he received the Merit Student distinction from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2018, highlighting his exceptional performance as a graduate student. These awards underscore Dr. Tang’s dedication to advancing knowledge in his field and his potential for future contributions to chemical biology and related disciplines.