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The University of California, Merced is recruiting new graduate students, postdocs, and staff scientists.
Andy LiWang lab research in Protein Metamorphosis and Responsive Nanodevices
Protein Metamorphosis and Responsive Nanodevices
Thrust 1 research focuses on the emerging theme of protein metamorphosis as mechanism to enable natural and synthetic controllable biological nanodevices, organized in two broad areas: the functional roles of gradually morphing proteins; and engineering of control systems of the assembly-disassembly of biological macromolecular assemblies.
Adaptive and Responsive Mesoscale Assemblies
Adaptive and Responsive Mesoscale Assemblies
The focus of the research is to understand the mechanisms that enable assemblies to function collectively in adaptive and responsive ways as well as exploiting them for applications. 
Adaptive Cellular Communication
We will examine the impact of cell-cell and cell-matrix mechanical interactions on collective cell motility, patterning and the emergence of function, combining experimental and modeling approaches.
Science & Technology Enrichment Program
The CCBM has created an infrastructure that enables engaging research and learning opportunities for K-12 students.
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CCBM Highlights

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The NSF CREST Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines was established with a $5 million Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) grant in 2016 from the National Science Foundation. The CCBM brings together more than 30 faculty members from multiple units across campus, including bioengineering, physics, chemistry and chemical biology, biomaterials science and engineering, cell and molecular biology, and applied mathematics. The center received an additional $5 million in 2021 for another 5 years of funding. Researchers are studying how biological matter like proteins or cells come together to perform specific tasks, in hopes of eventually being able to engineer and develop innovations ranging from designer cells and tissue to novel diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The CCBM also hosts an integrated, interdisciplinary training program for graduate students that emphasizes physical and biological components, research and training experiences for undergraduate and high school students to enhance the recruitment of students into STEM research, and outreach experiences for the local community and beyond.

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Research

physics, bioengineering, biomaterials science and engineering, quantitative biology, applied mathematics, and chemistry and chemical biology forming an interdisciplinary research community with a common vision

Education

nurturing teamwork, creativity, versatility and entrepreneurship for undergraduate and graduate students with a special emphasis on technical training 

Outreach

engaging K-12 programs focused on increasing the number of talented students in STEM fields & other community-focused efforts

Featured News

Blue-green algae in flasks are used by researchers at UC Merced and UC San Diego to further the understanding of circadian clocks. Image courtesy of UC San Diego.

Researchers Rebuild Microscopic Circadian Clock That Can Control Genes

February 10, 2026

Our circadian clocks play a crucial role in our health and well-being, keeping our 24-hour biological cycles in sync with light and dark exposure. Disruptions in the rhythms of these clocks, as with...

Grad student Abigail Gyamfi

Leadership in STEM: Abigail Gyamfi Honored with 2025 ACS Leader Scholars Award

February 4, 2026

Chemistry and Biochemistry (CBC) Ph.D. candidate Abigail Gyamfi has earned the 2025 American Chemical Society Leader Scholars Award. The ACS Leader Scholars program recognizes outstanding...

Biochemistry Professor Andy LiWang

Unlocking the Secrets of Tiny, Living Clocks Could Revolutionize Science

February 2, 2026

Biochemistry Professor Andy LiWang has spent much of his career studying how life keeps time. His work on the circadian clock of cyanobacteria — tiny, ancient organisms that share the planet with us...

UC Merced students are depicted in front of a poster explaining their project for I2G.

Creative, Problem-Solving Projects Win at I2G

January 28, 2026

A semi-automated washing system for bins at a tomato-processing facility and a mobile app for hikers earned big wins at the Fall 2025 I2G, or Innovate to Grow, event at UC Merced. I2G is a unique "...

Events and Happenings

Jan
30

CCBM External Advisory Board Meeting

At UC Merced
Nov
01

I-BEST REU - Applications due on Feb. 15

https://i-best.ucmerced.edu
Nov
01

C-SIP Undergraduate Research Program - Applications due in Feb.

Accepting applications beginning in Dec. 2025 APPLY  
Aug
14

Thrust Meetings - 2025-26

To be led by Thrust Leads de Alba, Woo, and Dasbiswas

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