Dr. Wenjun Zhang

Professor

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Biography

Wenjun Zhang is a chemical biological engineer whose research investigates natural product biosynthesis, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology. He is known for his studies on polyketides and nonribosomal peptides, engineering microbial systems to produce bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Zhang’s lab integrates biochemistry, genetics, and bioengineering to uncover new natural products and reprogram biosynthetic pathways. His research advances the development of novel antibiotics, anticancer agents, and sustainable chemicals. He has published in prominent journals such as Nature Chemistry, Nature Chemical Biology, Nature Microbiology, Nature Communications, PNAS, and the Journal of the American Chemical Society. As a professor at UC Berkeley, he teaches biochemical engineering and mentors students in natural product discovery and engineering.

Research Interests

Chemical Biology Microbiology Natural Product Biosynthesis Enzyme Discovery and Characterization Drug Discovery Human Microbiome Specialized Metabolism

Experience

Professor

2015-09-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching biochemical engineering and conducting research on natural product biosynthesis.

Awards

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Pew Scholar Award

2013-01-01
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NIH Director’s New Innovator Award

2014-01-01
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Sloan Research Fellowship

2014-01-01
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Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

2016-01-01

Courses

CHEM 298 CHEM 299 CHEM 300 CHMENG 170B PLANTBI 299 PLANTBI 602 CHMENG 170A CHMENG C170L

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.