Jin earned his B.S. in chemistry and mathematical sciences from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. He received his Ph.D. in theoretical chemistry from the University of Chicago in 2021, where he worked with Professor Gregory Voth on the foundations and methodologies of bottom-up coarse-grained modeling. This research was recognized with the William Rainey Harper Dissertation Fellowship and the American Chemical Society (ACS) COMP Excellence Award for Graduate Students. In 2022, Jin began an Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship with Professor David Reichman at Columbia University, where he developed first-principles approaches for mesoscale modeling of materials and complex molecular systems. His research was recognized with the ACS Young Investigator Award in Physical Chemistry and the Institute for Advanced Study Research Fellowship at the University of Amsterdam.
Jaehyeok Jin appointed assistant professor of chemistry
Jaehyeok Jin
Jaehyeok Jin, a theoretical chemist who develops predictive multiscale models to understand complex chemical phenomena, has been appointed assistant professor of chemistry, effective January 1, 2027. Jin is currently an Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University.
Jin’s research seeks to understand how countless molecular interactions combine to produce the larger patterns and behaviors observed in nature. Just as a flock of birds can be understood by watching the movement of the group rather than individual wingbeats, Jin’s work develops theoretical and computational tools that connect the smallest molecular events to the collective organization of materials and living systems. By making these connections predictive, his research aims to accelerate the discovery of advanced materials, deepen our understanding of biological processes that cannot be directly observed experimentally, and ultimately inspire new therapeutic strategies.
At Yale, Jin will establish a research group focused on developing predictive multiscale models that link microscopic interactions to non-equilibrium mesoscale assembly and organization. By leveraging statistical mechanics and computer simulations, his group will elucidate the molecular principles governing emergent behavior in materials and biophysical systems. Building on his expertise in multiscale modeling, Jin’s group will develop new computational and theoretical frameworks to address how molecular interactions drive non-equilibrium dynamics across broad length and time scales.
These first-principles methodologies—spanning coarse-graining theory, field-theoretic modeling, and machine learning—will enable predictive studies of surface growth in energy materials, biomolecular phase separation, and cellular development.
Jin’s work sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics, materials science, and artificial intelligence, with broad impact for understanding and designing complex systems.
Jaehyeok is a wonderful addition to our faculty. He extends our historical strengths in theoretical chemistry, while leading us into new domains on large systems and material science. Everyone is thrilled that we were able to recruit him and grateful for the administration’s strong support.”
William L. Jorgensen, Sterling Professor of Chemistry
I’ve long been inspired by Yale’s rich tradition and pioneering contributions to theoretical chemistry, and I’m truly excited to join the Department of Chemistry,” said Jin. “What particularly drew me to Yale is the opportunity to work alongside colleagues across chemistry and related disciplines who are pushing the boundaries of both theory and experiment. I look forward to contributing to this vibrant environment and building connections that bring new perspectives to fundamental challenges in chemistry, physics, materials science, and biology.”
Jaehyeok Jin, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Learn more at the Jin Group website.