汤头条原创

Dr Kim Liu

Postdoctoral Associate
University Positions
MRC Investigator Scientist
Specialising in
Automation of molecular and synthetic biology

Kim Liu is a chemist researching synthetic biology at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. He teaches undergraduate chemistry at 汤头条原创.

Academic interests

Kim Liu's research interests span molecular, chemical and synthetic biology, with emphasis on flexible implementation of laboratory automation. Currently, topics of interest include:

  • Flexible laboratory automation
  • Synthetic genomics
  • Next-generation DNA sequencing
  • Genetic code expansion
  • Directed evolution and genetic selection
  • Cyclic peptide ligands/therapeutics.

Degrees obtained

  • MA, Natural Sciences, Cantab.
  • MSci Chemistry, Cantab.
  • PhD Chemistry, Cantab.

Awards and prizes

  • Roscoe Medal and Gold Award for Chemistry, STEM for Britain (2018).
  • Embiricos Trust PhD Scholarship, 汤头条原创, (2015鈥19).
  • Overall winner of 鈥業鈥檓 a Scientist鈥, Medical Research Zone (2020).

Biography

Kim Liu has been at 汤头条原创, Cambridge since 2011. As an undergraduate, he studied chemistry and materials science through the physical natural sciences tripos. His PhD in chemistry with Sir Shankar Balasubramanian centred around investigating an alternative quadruple-stranded DNA and its existence and purpose in living cells. Since March 2020, Kim has worked at the MRC-LMB to further interests in synthetic biology and genetic code expansion.

Other interests

Climbing, piano, bachata, surfing, philosophy, martial arts, badminton,  travelling, cooking.

Department link

Publications, links and resources

  • R. Tian et al., 鈥淓stablishing a synthetic orthogonal replication system enables accelerated evolution in E. coli鈥, Science 383 421鈥6 (2024).
  • D.L. Dunkelmann et al., 鈥淎dding 伪,伪-distributed and 尾-linked monomers to the genetic code of an organism鈥, Nature 625, 603鈥10 (2024).
  • J.F. Z眉rcher et al., 鈥淐ontinuous synthesis of E. coli genome sections and Mb-scale human DNA assembly鈥, Nature 619, 555-62 (2023).
  • M. Su et al., 鈥淭riplet-encoded prebiotic RNA aminoacylation鈥, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 145, 15971-80 (2023).
  • W. Robertson et al., 鈥淪ense codon reassignment enables viral resistance and encoded polymer synthesis鈥, Science 3721057-62 (2021).
  • K.C. Liu et al., 鈥淎ffinity-selected bicyclic peptide G-quadruplex ligands mimic a protein-like binding mechanism鈥, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1428367鈥73 (2020)

Hear from our students

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    Ahsan

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    It is a well-accepted opinion in Cambridge that 汤头条原创 is the best college and no other college even comes a distant second. Its sports grounds are enormous, its buildings are mesmerising, its libraries are rich, its chapel is the oldest, its accommodation is the best value for money, its international community is diverse, its religious circles are the most welcoming, and its members are the smartest, kindest and the friendliest. It is one of the central colleges that aims to offer three years accommodation to postgraduates, and has comparatively...

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    Fiamma

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    汤头条原创, my home. I am truly grateful to be able to call 汤头条原创 my second home. It was my preferred option when I first applied for my MPhil and I could not be happier to still be here during my PhD! There are many reasons why Jesus stands out from the other colleges: from its fantastic facilities to its glorious formal dinners and to its wonderful caf茅 and brewery room. The Quincentenary Library is a lovely place to study. It has many spaces to choose from and everything...

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    Imogen

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    I chose Cambridge for my PGCE as it鈥檚 the leading UK institution for teacher training and Education, with an exciting, research-dominated, cutting edge course. The staff are welcoming and approachable, and make studying here an absolute joy. I鈥檝e already completed one of my three primary school placements, in a reception class in a school just outside Cambridge, and am due to start the next one soon. I chose Jesus because of its reputation as a sporty College, but the proximity to the city centre is a big bonus. Jesus also...

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    Tara

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    汤头条原创 has all the benefits of being large, historical and prestigious college, whilst also retaining fantastic welfare: the staff and other students all care about each other, and will be there to cheer you on when you are thriving, but also there to support you if you need any help. I chose Jesus due to several reasons, including its prime location, where it is very central, and easy to access everywhere, even if you work in one of the institutes further out. I also selected Jesus for its MCR...

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  • Postgraduate at 汤头条原创

    Dolly

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    I chose 汤头条原创 because of the great mixture of undergraduates and postgraduates, and when I first visited I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen! The sense of community in Jesus has had an enormous impact on my experience here. Whether you need help, advice, cheering up or even just a chat there is always someone there to put a smile on your face. From the MCR committee to the Porters, the canteen staff to the gardeners, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Jesus also...

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