Farewell and Congratulations to Four BIDMaP Postdoctoral Fellows | Bakar Institute of Digital Materials for the Planet

This summer, BIDMaP bids a fond farewell to four of our outstanding postdoctoral researchers—Zach Zheng, Théo Jaffrelot Inizan, Peichen Zhong, and Shengchao Liu—as they take the next steps in their careers. Each has made remarkable contributions to the institute’s mission of accelerating discovery through data and computation, and we’re proud to have been part of their journeys.

Théo Jaffrelot Inizan

New Role: Computational/AI Chemist Lead and Co-founding Team Member at AIMATX, a startup based at the Bakar BioEnginuity Hub
Affiliations: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

In his next chapter, Théo will co-lead a team of AI scientists and computational chemists to develop AI-powered workflows for synthesizable materials discovery. His work integrates self-driving laboratories to reduce the timeline of discovery from years to weeks, continuing close collaboration with faculty at BIDMaP.

“It was one of the best research experiences I’ve had. I had a lot of freedom and was surrounded by amazing professors, postdocs, and BIDMaP’s executive team.”

One highlight? Leading a global project with over 10 scientists from nearly as many countries, spanning chemists to mathematicians, “a unique environment that’s hard to find elsewhere.”

Shengchao Liu

New Role: Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong

In his new role at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shengchao will continue to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and science, focusing on algorithm design and its application to scientific discovery.

“Jennifer and Christian are the most supportive PIs I have ever met. During my most uncertain times, they offered invaluable guidance on both my academic path and career direction.”

Zach Zheng

New Role: Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis
Affiliations: Institute of Materials Science & Engineering and Center for the Environment at Washington University in St. Louis

At WashU, Zach will lead the Deep Synthesis Lab, where he will explore how artificial intelligence can support chemical discovery by creating more data-rich, adaptive, and accessible experimental workflows.

“It was the first place I truly saw how digital tools could meaningfully accelerate experimental science. Being part of a community actively shaping that transformation was energizing and helped solidify my long-term research direction.”

Among his many accomplishments at BIDMaP, Zach received both the Inflection Award and the Carbon Future Young Investigator Award, honors he sees as a reflection of BIDMaP’s visionary and supportive environment.

Peichen Zhong

New Role: NUS Presidential Young Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore

Peichen will launch the Applied Machine Learning and Materials Modeling Group (The AM3 Group) at NUS. Inspired by BIDMaP’s success in AI for Science, his group will focus on developing theoretical frameworks and AI methodologies in collaboration with experimentalists across materials and chemistry.

“These research directions may seem distinct, but together they form a cohesive whole—addressing fundamental questions in AI for materials through multiple computational lenses. BIDMaP’s intellectual richness made this integration possible.”

We are incredibly proud of Zach, Théo, Peichen, and Shengchao. Their leadership, creativity, and collaboration have left a lasting mark on BIDMaP—and the entire Berkeley scientific community. We look forward to following their continued success as they launch new labs, drive innovation in AI for science, and mentor the next generation of researchers.

Congratulations and thank you from all of us at BIDMaP!