September 15-19, 2025, is National Postdoc Appreciation Week. Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has sponsored this annual celebration to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and scientific discovery. Check out the NPA website to view the virtual and in-person events being held this week. 

This week, BPS will be highlighting postdoc members on the blog. Today, read about Feng Yu, French National Centre for Scientific Research.

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Background & Inspiration 

1. Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to your current postdoc position? 

I am a computational biophysicist with a passion for understanding the complex behaviors of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). My academic journey began at Nanjing University in China, where I majored in physics. This rigorous scientific foundation sparked my curiosity about how mathematics and computation could be harnessed to solve problems in biology. Motivated to deepen my interdisciplinary expertise, I moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Quantitative and Systems Biology at UC Merced. There, I explored the intersection of computational modeling and experimental biology, which naturally led me to focus on IDPs—a class of proteins that defy traditional structural biology approaches. Now, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Beamline at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, I am excited to work at the cutting edge of AI-driven biophysics, collaborating with world-class scientists and leveraging state-of-the-art facilities to advance our understanding of these elusive proteins. 

2. What inspired you to pursue research in your field? 

My research motivation is deeply personal. Both of my grandparents suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that has touched my family profoundly. As I learned more about the disease, I discovered that intrinsically disordered proteins play a significant role in its progression—and that their unpredictable nature makes them particularly challenging to study. This realization gave me a sense of purpose: I wanted to contribute to unraveling the mysteries of IDPs, with the hope that my work could eventually inform new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s and related diseases. The prospect of making a real-world impact, combined with the intellectual challenge of working at the frontier of biophysics and AI, continues to drive my passion for research. 

Daily Work & Routine 

3. What does a typical day look like for you as a postdoc? 

My days are a blend of structured tasks and creative problem-solving. I usually start by prioritizing the most urgent tasks for my ongoing projects, which can range from data analysis to developing new computational models or preparing experiments at the beamline. Meetings with collaborators, lab members, and mentors are an essential part of my routine, helping me stay connected and informed. The most rewarding part of my day is the time I carve out for deep, focused research—whether that’s coding, reading new papers, or brainstorming innovative solutions. After work, I make it a point to unwind, often by playing video games or catching up on my favorite shows, which helps me recharge for the next day. 

4. Do you have a favorite part of your daily routine—or a task you look forward to most? 

As someone who appreciates good food, lunch and dinner are highlights of my day. These meals are not just about sustenance—they’re opportunities to relax, socialize with colleagues, and momentarily step away from the intensity of research. I also look forward to the “aha” moments in research, when a new idea clicks or a result exceeds expectations. 

5. What’s one part of your day that people might find surprising or unexpected? 

One of the quirks of working in Berkeley is the notorious parking situation. When I work from home, I have to move my car every two hours to avoid getting a ticket—a logistical challenge that adds a bit of unpredictability to my day. I’ve already collected a few parking tickets this year, usually during particularly busy deadlines. It’s a small but memorable part of the postdoc experience here! 

Research & Impact 

6. Can you briefly describe your research project and why it matters? 

My research centers on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which constitute over 40% of the human proteome. Unlike traditional proteins, IDPs lack a fixed three-dimensional structure, making them difficult to study using conventional methods. This structural flexibility, however, is precisely what enables them to play critical roles in cellular signaling, regulation, and disease. Current AI tools like AlphaFold have revolutionized protein structure prediction but still struggle with IDPs. My work aims to bridge this gap by developing new computational and experimental approaches to characterize IDP ensembles more accurately. Understanding these proteins is vital, as they are implicated in numerous diseases—including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, and even viral infections such as COVID-19. By shedding light on IDP behavior and structure, my research could pave the way for novel drug discovery strategies targeting these challenging biomolecules. 

7. What’s the most exciting discovery or moment you’ve had during your postdoc so far? 

One of my proudest achievements has been the development of AlphaSAXS, a machine learning model that generates realistic IDP conformations based on small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data. This hybrid approach, which integrates experimental and computational insights, outperforms many purely computational methods and provides a more accurate picture of IDP dynamics. Having this work accepted at the ICLR 2025 GEM workshop—a leading AI conference—was a major milestone and validation of the interdisciplinary nature of my research. It’s exciting to see the biophysics and AI communities coming together to tackle such complex problems.  

Personal Touch 

8. How do you balance life in the lab with life outside of it? 

Achieving work-life balance as a postdoc can be challenging, especially with the pressures of research, competition, and career uncertainty. I make a conscious effort to maintain boundaries and prioritize self-care. Sports are a big part of my life—I enjoy playing basketball, soccer, and football, which not only keep me physically active but also provide a much-needed mental break from research. Connecting with friends, exploring new places around Berkeley, and occasionally indulging in local food scenes also help me recharge and maintain perspective. 

9. What hobbies or activities help you recharge after work? 

In addition to sports, I’m an avid gamer. Playing video games allows me to unwind and tap into a different kind of problem-solving and creativity. I also enjoy watching documentaries and reading about advancements in both science and technology, which sometimes spark new ideas for my own research. 

10. Any fun lab quirks? 

Diet Coke is my go-to beverage, especially during high-pressure times like Ph.D. qualifying exams or grant proposal deadlines. Ironically, I’m sensitive to caffeine, but the ritual of having a Diet Coke helps me focus and signals a well-deserved break. I also enjoy curating playlists for different research moods—sometimes upbeat music for coding, sometimes classical for deep thinking. 

Advice & Future 

11. What advice would you give to someone just starting a postdoc? 

My main advice is to stay proactive about your career trajectory. Set clear goals, work hard, and seek out opportunities that will help you move beyond the postdoc stage efficiently. Don’t feel pressured to stay in a postdoc for many years just to chase a single high-impact publication—sometimes breadth of experience and adaptability matter more. I also strongly recommend learning about AI and computational tools, even if your background is primarily experimental. The future of biophysics will be shaped by interdisciplinary skills, and being able to collaborate with or compete against computer scientists is increasingly important. 

12. Where do you see yourself heading next in your career? 

Looking ahead, I am open to both academia and industry. My ideal would be a faculty position where I can continue both research and mentoring, but I recognize the current job market is highly competitive, especially for international scholars. I’m also excited by opportunities in industry, particularly at the intersection of AI and biotechnology. Ultimately, I am committed to making meaningful contributions to science, wherever that path may lead.