Dinghong (Catherine) Zhang

Senior Scientist I @ ADARx Pharmaceuticals Inc.

About

Senior Scientist at ADARx Pharmaceuticals specializing in RNA therapeutics and Assay Development. With extensive experience in the San Diego biotech hub, I specialize in: 🧬 Scientific Research: Neuroscience, gene manipulation, and vector-based delivery. 📊 Data Automation: Macro coding and workflow optimization for high-throughput environments. 🤝 Collaboration: Driving innovation through rigorous scientific discussion and multidisciplinary teamwork. Committed to delivering high-performance results and advancing the future of drug discovery." A PhD in Neuroscience from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and postdoc training in metabolism underpins my proficiency in molecular biology and cell-based drug screening. I bring a proven track record in developing human iPSC-derived cell products and troubleshooting protocols to create scalable solutions for R&D teams. My goal is to foster innovation in biomedical research and enable impactful therapeutic discoveries.

Country

United States

City

San Diego

Industry

Pharmaceuticals

Skill

Strategic Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Leadership, Strategic Communications, Business Development, RNA Therapeutics, Assay Development, Two-photon Microscopy, Animal Husbandry, Confocal Microscopy, Troubleshooting, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Process Automation, Data Cleaning, Data Integration, Oral Communication, Scientific Analysis, Electronic Lab Notebooks, Product Development, Employee Training

Experience

Senior Scientist I

ADARx Pharmaceuticals Inc.

2026-2 - Present · 8 mos

United States

Specializing in Assay Development and Compound Management Utilizing expertise in gene manipulation and vector delivery to support ADARx’s innovative RNA therapeutic pipeline. Developing custom Macro scripts to automate complex data cleaning and analysis, improving workflow efficiency and data integrity. Expert use of GraphPad Prism for advanced statistical modeling and project tracking.

Co-Chair – Sponsor Relationship Team

SABPA (SoCal Association for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Advancements)

2026-3 - Present · 7 mos

Strengthening relationships with biotech industry partners and sponsors. Supporting SABPA programs that connect academia, industry, and entrepreneurs. Helping expand strategic partnerships to advance SABPA’s mission.

Scientist

HD Biosciences Co., Ltd

2024-11 - 2026-1 · 1 yr 3 mos

San Diego County, CA

I spearheaded the development of compound screening assays at HD Biosciences Co., Ltd, utilizing liquid handling systems and diverse transfection cell lines like HEK293, CHO, and UMUC3. This led to optimized workflows and robust pharmacological data, advancing drug discovery pipelines in San Diego County, California. • Developed assays for compound optimization • Utilized liquid handling systems • Advanced research in drug discovery

Scientist

HD Biosciences Co., Ltd

2024-9 - 2024-10 · 2 mos

San Diego, California, United States

• Developed compound HTS and assay development for plate-based pharmacology team. • Utilized different liquid handling systems and plate readers for efficient data collection. • Worked with various cell lines including HEK293, UMUC3, and CHO to conduct experiments.

Staff Scientist II

Cell Applications, Inc.

2023-4 - 2023-10 · 7 mos

San Diego

• Developed primary cell, iPSC differentiated cell, and related medium products at Cell Applications Inc. in San Diego. • Conducted QC for cell products using cell-based assays, IF, and Western blot techniques. • Supported the development of human iPSC derived hepatocytes, pancreas, alveoli, and GI organoid products. • Troubleshot in-house protocols, established SOPs, and designed product labels with Legitronic labeling software.

Postdoctoral Researcher

UC San Diego Health

2018-3 - 2023-3 · 5 yrs 1 mo

San Diego, CA

Conducted groundbreaking research on microRNA function in various systems under diabetes-related conditions, leading to new insights in the field. • Investigated anti-psychiatric drug-related projects and Anorexia nervosa project, contributing to advancements in mental health research. • Explored neural regeneration and inflammation with spinal cord injury, paving the way for potential treatments in the future.

Associate Investigator

Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology

2017-11 - 2018-3 · 5 mos

Shenzhen, China

• Set up fiber photometry and electrophysiological recording system for addiction pathway study. • Optimized data analysis using Matlab for neuron activity and behavior tests to enhance research accuracy. • Conducted go-Nogo test, Real-time place preference (RTPP) behavioral assays to contribute to addiction research advancements.