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.
 

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.
 

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. 
 

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 (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. 
 

Professor of Molecular Therapeutics, Jennifer Doudna, will receive the 2026 Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society (ACS). This award, the highest honor from the ACS, is in recognition for “outstanding discoveries on ribozyme function, Dicer and double-stranded RNA processing and CRISPR gene editing, and for impactful international science leadership.” Read more about the American Chemical Society Priestley Medal honor here.