Dr. Dan Nomura

Professor

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Biography

Dan Nomura is a Professor of Chemical Biology and Molecular Therapeutics at the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on innovative approaches to drug discovery. He earned his B.A. in Molecular Cell Biology in 2003 and his Ph.D. in Molecular Toxicology in 2008, both from UC Berkeley. Following his doctoral studies, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Scripps Research Institute. His professional trajectory includes positions as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and currently Professor since 2019. His research group utilizes chemoproteomic platforms to tackle the challenges of discovering therapies for proteins deemed 'undruggable'. His work has led to the development of transformative medicines by uncovering novel ligandable hotspots that can be targeted by small molecules. Nomura has received numerous accolades, such as the National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award and the Searle Scholar Award. In addition to his academic responsibility, he co-founded several companies, including Frontier Medicines and Zenith, aimed at advancing therapeutic modalities through innovative chemical technologies.

Research Interests

Experience

Co-Director

— Present

Molecular Therapeutics Initiative, UC Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Leading initiatives focused on advancing therapeutic approaches through molecular understanding.

Director

— Present

Novartis-Berkeley Translational Chemical Biology Institute • Berkeley, CA

Overseeing research aimed at tackling the undruggable proteome using chemoproteomic platforms.

Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and mentoring students while leading research in chemical biology and therapeutic development.

Awards

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National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award

#

Searle Scholar

#

ACS Research Scholar Award

#

Mark Foundation Cancer Research ASPIRE Award

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.