Dr. Ulrich Muller

Professor

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Biography

Ulrich Muller is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on catalytic RNA molecules, specifically ribozymes, and their implications for the origin of life and genetic disease treatments. He investigates the roles of catalytic RNAs in self-replication and evolution, hypothesizing that early life forms may have utilized such mechanisms for their existence. His laboratory employs techniques such as in vitro selection to uncover the capabilities of novel ribozymes, examining their functionality under prebiotically plausible conditions. He has garnered multiple prestigious awards including research grants from NASA and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of biochemistry. Muller is actively involved in mentoring and educational initiatives, particularly in promoting diversity within the academic community. He has published extensively, contributing significantly to the understanding of ribozyme function and evolution.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2022-01-01 — Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Holding a faculty position in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

Associate Professor

2014-01-01 — 2022-01-01

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Served as an Associate Professor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

Assistant Professor

2006-01-01 — 2014-01-01

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Initially appointed as an Assistant Professor.

Postdoctoral Researcher

2001-01-01 — 2006-01-01

Whitehead Institute • Cambridge, MA

Conducted postdoctoral research on RNA biology.

Awards

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NASA Research Award

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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Research Award

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Gilbert Gene Therapy Initiative

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Hellman Fellow

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National Science Foundation Research Award

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National Research Service Award (NRSA)

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Postdoctoral Award of the German Research Council (DFG)

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).