Jiantao Zhao

Jiantao Zhao

PhD Chemist | Postdoctoral Researcher

Hi there! I'm a chemist who loves building molecules and exploring how chemistry can solve real-world problems. Currently based in the Netherlands, I'm diving into the fascinating world of peptides and dynamic materials.

Current Position Postdoc Researcher at Robot Lab, Radboud University, Netherlands

About Me

I'm currently a postdoc at Radboud University's Robot Lab in the Netherlands, where I'm exploring the exciting intersection of peptide catalysis and dynamic materials. Before this, I earned my PhD from Tsinghua University under the guidance of Prof. Xi Zhang, working on radical-mediated click-clip reactions.

What drives me? I'm fascinated by how we can design smart molecules that respond to their environment—whether that's developing new catalytic systems or creating materials that can adapt and change. I enjoy the challenge of bridging computational tools with hands-on experimental work.

When I'm not in the lab, you'll probably find me exploring new cities, trying out local foods, or geeking out over the latest developments in AI and chemistry. I believe science should be both rigorous and fun!

Peptide Catalysis

Designing novel peptide-based catalysts for efficient and selective chemical transformations, exploring the unique reactivity of peptide scaffolds.

Dynamic Materials

Creating adaptive materials that can respond to external stimuli, with applications in drug delivery, sensing, and smart coatings.

Radical Chemistry

Developing radical-mediated reactions for reversible molecular transformations, enabling dynamic covalent chemistry applications.

AI for Chemistry

Leveraging machine learning and computational methods to predict reaction outcomes and design new molecular systems.

Publications

Featured

On Click–Clip Reactions

J. Zhao, H. Yu, J.-F. Xu, X. Zhang

CCS Chemistry 2026, 8 (1), 185-193

We established a radical-mediated click-clip reaction sequence between phenothiazines and amines, enabling rapid and reversible molecular transformations with applications in depolymerizable macromolecules and dynamic materials.

Experience

2025.10 - Present

Postdoctoral Researcher

Robot Lab, Radboud University, Netherlands

Research on peptide catalysts and dynamic materials, developing adaptive molecular systems with responsive properties.

2025.10 - 2026.04

Research Intern

AI for Science Institute, Beijing

Explored AI-driven approaches for chemical reaction prediction and molecular design.

2020.09 - 2025.06

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

Advisor: Prof. Xi Zhang. Research focused on radical-mediated click-clip reactions and dynamic covalent chemistry.

2019.06 - 2019.09

Visiting Student

University of Cambridge, UK

Research exchange program focusing on supramolecular chemistry.

2016.09 - 2020.06

B.S. in Chemistry

Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

GPA 3.8/4.0, Top 10% of the class. Foundation in organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science.

Skills

Computational & AI

Python PyTorch Machine Learning Gaussian ORCA GROMACS AlphaFold Quantum Chemistry

Laboratory

Synthetic Chemistry NMR Spectroscopy EPR Spectroscopy Laser Flash Photolysis Mass Spectrometry HPLC Air-Sensitive Techniques

Awards & Honors