Yoon Seok Kim is an Assistant Professor of Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL. He received his B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Stanford University, working with Thomas Südhof (2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine). He subsequently completed his Ph.D. in Bioengineering with Brian Kobilka (2012 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry) and Karl Deisseroth (2026 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine), followed by postdoctoral training with Michelle Monje (2025 Brain Prize Laureate).

His research spans membrane protein biology, optogenetics and cancer neuroscience, with publications in journals including Cell, Nature, and Science. His honors include the Kwanjeong International Fellowship, Berry Postdoctoral Fellowship, Defeat DIPG ChadTough Fellowship, Defeat DIPG Young Investigator Award, and Horten Health Foundation Young Investigator Award.