Introduction

The Zhejiang University Center for RNA Medicine was strategically established by the Zhejiang University, with an emphasis on the forefront of global technology and the health of the people. With a high starting point and high standards, the center prioritizes talent recruitment and aims to use dynamic, multi-scale, multi-dimensional systemic research approaches. The center seeks to open up new frontiers in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of complex human diseases by developing new RNA drugs, vaccines, and detection methods. The center focuses on identifying a series of RNAs and peptide derivatives that play key roles in major diseases, such as tumors and genetic disorders; and focuses on addressing the challenges of RNA stability in vivo and delivery system bottlenecks. The vision is for the center to become a leading domestic and world-class interdisciplinary platform centered on RNA medicine for both foundational research and clinical application.

The Zhejiang University Center for RNA Medicine is located in the Zhejiang University International Health Medical Research Institute in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, a part of the illustrious lineage of the Zhejiang University One Belt and One Road International Medical School and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The collaboration underscores a premier, innovative, and international pedigree in medical education and healthcare.  Established in 2022, the center is the first fully operational RNA medicine entity in China and has established close collaborations with 25 renowned RNA research centers globally. It is equipped with top-tier experimental animal centers, computational platforms, and advanced comprehensive public instrument platforms. Our engagements extend to partnerships with biotech firms on avant-garde studies of new drug concepts, making us a forerunner in drug design foundations.

Dr. Xin Li, the Qiushi Chair Professor of Zhejiang University, is the executive director of the center. An alumnus of Tsinghua University, Dr. Li earned his PhD from Cornell University and pursued postdoctoral training at Umass Medical School/HHMI. Before joining ZJU, he held the position of Associate Professor at the University of Rochester RNA Medical Center. With numerous accolades, including being the principal investigator for three NIH and one USDA grants and contributing to prestigious journals, including Nature Cell Biology, Nature Communications, Molecular Cell, elife, and Plos Biology. The core endeavor of the Li Lab is to demystify the mechanisms that govern cytoplasmic RNA fate. This includes understanding why certain mRNAs are robustly translated while others are not, why some small silencing RNAs are more potent than others, and why some cytosolic RNAs undergo rapid degradation while others persist with long half-lives. These differences in RNA fate are crucial for proper cellular function, viral defense, development, pathogenesis, and RNA drug design. The lab employs a combination of wet and dry lab approaches, as well as comparative genomics across diverse animal species. These investigations into cytoplasmic RNA fate control mechanisms open up new targets, avenues, and technologies for the development of RNA medicine in close collaboration with hospital and biotech.

The Zhejiang University Center for RNA Medicine is actively seeking to onboard 15-20 tenure-track faculty members across the levels of full, associate, and assistant professor (Equivalent to Positions No. 1 to 4). Additionally, we are aiming to recruit 30-40 research-track faculty with expertise spanning a wide array of topics within RNA medicine. (Equivalent to position No. 5) While our interests are broad, they encompass areas such as RNA structure, RNA modification, RNA localization, RNA delivery, mRNA translation, small RNA, tRNA, and the role of RNA in diseases. Currently, we have opened the following positions:

Positions Openings

1.“Qiushi” Chair Professor

Position Description

The Qiushi Chair professorship at Zhejiang University is a prestigious academic position, named after the university’s official philosophy Qiushi, meaning seeking truth and pursuing innovation. The position is awarded to professors who have made significant contributions to their respective academic fields and are recognized as leading experts in their areas of research. They also have a significant influence on shaping the academic direction and culture of the university. In short, the Qiushi Chair professorship at Zhejiang University is a highly respected position reserved for exceptional academic leaders.

Qualifications

l You should have systematic and innovative accomplishments in the respective field(s), make significant contributions, and generate a wide range of international academic influence.

l You should have internationally recognized awards or be an academician of developed countries, or a distinguished scholar of comparable level from both domestic and overseas institutions.

Additional Information

This is a full-time job.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province.

We offer an outstanding and competitive benefits package including:

l Salary: We provide competitive remuneration packages which enable you to focus on academic pursuits. Customized arrangements will be made for each individual.

l Housing: One unit of faculty housing can be purchased at a preferential policy price. A temporary apartment can be provided during the transition period.

l Start-up research funding: Based on actual demand, we provide negotiable research start-up funding.

l Environment: We provide a professional office environment and ample lab space.

l Team building: We ensure an annual quota of doctoral student admissions and support the recruitment of postdoctoral fellows.

l Family support: We assist in enrolling children in schools or nurseries, as well as finding employment for spouses. We also provide assistance with obtaining local residency permits for foreigners, and other related matters.

l Facilities: We provide access to all sports facilities and libraries at Zhejiang University.

2.“Qiushi” Distinguished Scholar

Position Description

The position of Zhejiang University Qiushi Distinguished Scholar (including Qiushi Distinguished Professor, “Qiushi” Distinguished Instructional Scholar, “Qiushi” Distinguished Experimental Scholar, “Qiushi” Distinguished Clinician) is a prestigious academic role that is bestowed upon accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. As a Qiushi Distinguished Scholar, one holds a distinguished position within the academic community and is recognized for their exceptional expertise, research and scholarly achievements.

Basic Qualifications

l You should hold a position as professor or equivalent position at a high-level university either domestically or internationally (For the position of Qiushi Distinguished Clinician, you should ideally hold both the positions of professor and chief physician).

l You should be under the age of 55 as of January 1st of the application year.

Additional Information

This is a full-time job.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province.

We offer an outstanding and competitive benefits package including:

l Salary: We provide a remuneration package that enables you to dedicate yourself to academic pursuits.

l Housing: One unit of faculty housing can be purchased at a preferential policy price. A temporary apartment can be provided during the transition period.

l Start-up research funding: We provide competitive research start-up funding in accordance with the academic discipline field.

l Environment: We provide a professional office environment and ample lab space.

l Team building: We ensure an annual quota of doctoral student admissions and support the recruitment of postdoctoral fellows.

l Family support: We assist in enrolling children in schools or nurseries, as well as finding employment for spouses. We also provide assistance with obtaining local residency permits for foreigners, and other related matters.

l Facilities: We provide access to all sports facilities and libraries at Zhejiang University.

3.Tenured Professor/Tenured Associate Professor

Position Description

Tenured Professors or Tenured Associate Professors hold a permanent position within the university's faculty, demonstrating a high level of expertise, scholarly accomplishments, and teaching proficiency in their respective field. This position typically represents the culmination of an extensive academic career, characterized by years of experience, advanced research contributions, and a strong reputation within the academic community.

Basic Qualifications

l For the position of Tenured Professor candidate, you should demonstrate a level of academic excellence comparable to tenured professors at renowned universities both domestically and internationally. For the position of Tenured Associate Professor candidate, you should meet the standards equivalent to those of tenured associate professors at prestigious universities both domestically and internationally.

Additional Information

This is a full-time job.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province.

We offer an outstanding and competitive benefits package including:

l Salary: Based on your specific circumstances, a competitive salary will be provided.

l Housing: One unit of faculty housing can be purchased at a preferential policy price. A temporary apartment can be provided during the transition period.

l Start-up research funding: We provide competitive research start-up funding in accordance with the academic discipline field.

l Environment: We provide a professional office environment and ample lab space.

l Team building: We provide the qualifications to enroll doctoral students and support the recruitment of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

l Family support: We assist in enrolling children in schools or nurseries, as well as finding employment for your spouses. We also provide assistance with obtaining local residency permits for foreigners, and other related matters.

l Facilities: We provide access to all sports facilities and libraries at Zhejiang University.

4.ZJU 100 Young Professor

Position Description

Zhejiang University's 100 Young Professors program is a talent recruitment initiative aimed at attracting and nurturing outstanding young scholars from around the world. The program was launched in 2015 and aims to recruit a total of 100 young scholars to work at Zhejiang University. Candidates for this position are expected to be or become exceptional and visionary thought-leaders in the related field.

Basic Qualifications

l You must have a doctoral degree from a well-known university.

l You should possess an academic level equivalent to an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor at a prestigious international university.

l You should be approximately 35 years old.

Additional Information

This is a full-time job.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province.

We offer an outstanding and competitive benefits package including:

l Salary: We offer competitive compensation, with an annual salary of up to 1,000,000 RMB.

l Housing: A temporary apartment can be provided, and those who meet the policy requirements are eligible to enjoy the housing security policy.

l Start-up research funding: We provide competitive research start-up funding in accordance with the academic discipline.

l Environment: We provide a professional office environment and ample lab space.

l Team building: We provide the qualifications to enroll doctoral students and support the recruitment of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

l Family support: We assist in solving problems related to enrolling children in schools or nurseries, as well as finding employment for your spouse. We also provide assistance with obtaining local residency permits for foreigners, and other related matters.

l Professional development: We provide guidance and assistance in applying for project funding such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSCF)\Excellent Young Scholars Program (overseas). The career path for this position is to become a Tenured Professor at Zhejiang University.

l Facilities: We provide access to all sports facilities and libraries at Zhejiang University

5.Distinguished Research Fellow/Distinguished Associate Research Fellow

Position Description

The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Distinguished Research Fellow or Distinguished Associate Research Fellow is a position of high honor and distinction within the institution. This position is typically offered to exceptional researchers who have achieved remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields and have gained international recognition for their contributions. It is reserved for exceptional researchers who have made significant contributions to their field and have the potential to shape the future of medical research and healthcare advancement.

Basic Qualifications

l You must have a doctoral degree from a well-known university.

l In principle, for the candidate of the position of Distinguished Research Fellow, you should not exceed 40 years old; For the candidate of the position of Distinguished Associate Research Fellow, you should not exceed 37 years old.

l For the candidate of the position of Distinguished Research Fellow, you should have postdoctoral experience or a solid research training background, demonstrating an academic level equivalent to that of faculty researchers in medical schools. For the candidate of the position of Distinguished Associate Research Fellows, you should possess solid research training experience, reaching an academic level equivalent to that of associate researchers in medical schools.

Additional Information

This is a full-time job.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province.

We offer an outstanding and competitive benefits package including:

l Salary: We offer an annual salary of up to 600,000 RMB (excluding research incentives).

l Housing: An apartment can be leased according to university regulations; You can receive a government housing subsidy of 800,000 RMB as per the policy; We provide a resettlement fee of 100,000 RMB.

l Start-up research funding: We provide a million-RMB-level research startup fund.

l Environment: We provide a professional office environment and ample lab space.

l Team building: You can apply for the qualification of a graduate supervisor.

l Family support: You may receive a government living allowance of 2,000 yuan/month in accordance with the policy. We assist in enrolling children in schools or nurseries, as well as finding employment for your spouses.

l Professional development: We provide guidance and assistance in applying for project funding such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSCF)\Excellent Young Scholars Program (overseas).

l Facilities: We provide access to all sports facilities and libraries at Zhejiang University

6.Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Position Description

The aforementioned organizations are currently accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This is an excellent opportunity for highly motivated individuals who have recently obtained their doctoral degree and wish to advance their research careers in a dynamic and prestigious academic environment. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow here, you will have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty members in cutting-edge research facilities and alongside a vibrant research community. You will be part of a team focused on conducting impactful and innovative research in various fields of medicine and healthcare.

Basic Qualifications

l You should not exceed 35 years of age.

l You should anticipate to complete a doctoral degree in the near future or already have earned one within the past three years.

l Your fields of specialization should be among the following: reproductive medicine, life sciences, neuroscience, pharmacy, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, animal science, chemistry, basic medicine, clinical medicine, nursing, public health and related disciplines.

Additional Information

This is a full-time job.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province.

We offer an outstanding and competitive benefits package including:

l Salary: We offer an annual salary 400,000 RMB (excluding research incentives).

l Housing: An apartment can be leased according to university regulations; You can receive a government housing subsidy of 800,000 RMB as per the policy.

l Career development: You are eligible for participation in professional title assessment.

l Research conditions: Collaborating supervisors provide funding support for research projects and opportunities to collaborate with other laboratories. They actively recommend and assist in the application for national and provincial-level research projects. The organizations provide matching support based on the funding requirements of the projects.

l Family support: You may receive a government living allowance of 2,000 yuan/month in accordance with the policy. We assist in enrolling children in schools or nurseries, as well as finding employment for your spouses.

l Facilities: We provide access to all sports facilities and libraries at Zhejiang University.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit the following documents:

l A cover letter expressing your interest and highlighting your qualifications for the position;

l Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your educational background, research experience, publications and any other relevant information;

l Three representative works published within 5 years;

l Future research plans.

All the materials needed for application should be put into one folder, and sent to following email addresses. Please name the folder with Your Name + Position. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Tel.: +86-579-89932176

Email: xinlirna@zju.edu.cn, ztrna@foxmail.com 

Contact: Mr. Li, Ms. Zhang

Address: 16F, International Institutes of Medicine, Block A, Dingfu Plaza, No. 1575 North Chouzhou Road, Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China

For more information about the Center for RNA Medicine:

https://puji.zju.edu.cn/

For more information about Zhejiang University

https://www.zju.edu.cn/english/

For more information about the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine

https://eng.zju4h.com/

For more information about the International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University

https://ism.zju.edu.cn/

For more information about the International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University

http://www.iim.zju.edu.cn/

For more information about Yiwu

http://www.yw.gov.cn/