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Our lab offers a unique opportunity to work within a collaborative, close-knit team focused on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research from single-molecule to multi-cellular studies. Our current projects span a variety of dynamic research areas, including:
We are always seeking exceptional students from diverse academic backgrounds — chemistry, physics, cell biology, and bioengineering — who are passionate about advancing scientific discovery. We welcome students from around the globe to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise. To learn more about our research and available opportunities, please contact Dr. Isaac Li at isaac.li@ubc.ca.
Associate Professor
Canada Research Chair in Single-Molecule Biophysics & Mechanobiology
Michael Smith Scholar
Department of Chemistry | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus
Postdoc - UIUC (Biophysics)
PhD - University of Toronto (Chemistry)
MASc - University of Toronto (BME)
BASc - University of Toronto (Eng Sci)
Office: FIP 343 | 250.807.8069
Lab: FIP 378 | 250.807.9825
Address: 3247 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V1V7
Email: isaac.li@ubc.ca
Postdoc (2024.8-)
Postdoc - Korea University
PhD - Kyoto University
Research interests: DNA nanostructures, DNA-PAINT, and diaganostic assays
We are currently only considering postdoc candidate with fellowships. We generally seek postdocs with background in biophysics, physical chemistry or cell biology. Please contact isaac.li@ubc.ca directly for inquiries.
Postdoc funding opportunities:
PhD in Biochemistry (2019.9-2025.05)
Honours in Biochemistry (2018-2019)
BSc - UBC (Biochemistry)
Research interests: rolling adhesion, DNA flow-stretch, single-molecule force and fluorescence
PhD in Biochemistry (2021.1-)
MSc - Moscow State University (Nanobiotech)
Research interests: exosome biogenesis and bioengineering
PhD in Chemistry (2022.9-)
Honours in Biochemistry (2021-2022)
IURA (2021)
BSc - UBC (Biochemistry)
Research interests: DNA conformational kinetics, super-resolution functional imaging
PhD in Biochemistry (2022.9-)
Honours in Biochemistry (2021-2022)
Directed Studies (2020-2021)
USRA (2021, 2022)
BSc - UBC (Biochemistry)
Research interests: single-molecule force spectroscopy, optical tweezers and DNA nanomechanics
PhD in Biochemistry (2022.9-)
Honours in Biochemistry (2020-2021)
BSc - UBC (Biochemistry)
Research interests: single-molecule force spectroscopy, optical tweezers and DNA knots
MSc in Chemistry (2022.9-)
Honours in Biochemistry (2021-2022)
USRA (2022)
BSc - UBC (Biochemistry)
Research interests: nanoparticle sizing and exosome characterization
PhD in Biochemistry (2023.9-)
BSc - UBC (Biochemistry)
Research interests: DNA tension probes, mechanobiology
PhD in Chemistry (2025.1-)
MSc/BEng - SUSTech (Chemistry, Materials Science)
Research interests: DNA + single-molecule force
If you are passionate about creative, hands-on, and multidisciplinary research, this opportunity is for you. We welcome students from all backgrounds, particularly those with a strong track record in the physical sciences or engineering. In my lab, you will have the chance to develop diverse skills in areas such as single-molecule techniques (fluorescence and force), super-resolution microscopy, DNA nanotechnology, instrumentation, and bioengineering of cell behaviour. Interested students should contact Isaac Li, and apply through the College of Graduate Studies at UBC Okanagan.
College of Graduate Studies (CoGS):
Grad student resources on applications, academics, deadlines, thesis and defence, awards and financial support, and various forms.
Graduate programs:
Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and resources
Honours in Biochemistry (2024-2025)
Directed Studies (2023-2024)
USRA, URA (2025, 2024, 2023)
BSc - UBC (Biochemistry)
Research interests: DNA flow-stretch, single-molecule force and fluorescence
Work Study (2024.05-)
Research interests: everything for now
We offer several undergraduate research positions each year. Students usually begin in the summer, funded through programs such as the Science URA, NSERC USRA, or Work-Study, and often continue with a 2-term Honours Thesis or Directed Studies. The application deadline for summer research programs is typically in January. For more information or to discuss potential opportunities, please contact Isaac Li
Honours Thesis & Directed Studies:
Students wishing to do Honours Thesis / Directed Studies (CHEM448/449 & BIOC448/449) should contact me directly.
Summer research:
Students at UBC Okanagan can apply for URA and NSERC-USRA.
Work-Study program:
We have N Work-Study positions open for summer and fall terms. Please check the UBC student job board.
International students:
Please check out Mitac Globalink Research Internship.
