Yongjian Zhang

Computational biologist and bioinformatics leader with 10+ years of integrated dry-wet lab experience in gene editing, gene therapy, and nucleic acid drug development. Served as Director of Bioinformatics and Head of the Gene Editing & Bioinformatics Platform, overseeing multi-site teams across Beijing, Guangzhou, and the U.S. to drive early R&D through IND-enabling studies and clinical-stage programs. Deep expertise spanning RNA and DNA editing system engineering (LEAPER, Cas12i, base editing, exon skipping), AAV/LNP targeted delivery design, and de novo molecular engineering guided by structural biology and deep learning. Developed industry-standard gene editing analysis software (getools suite) and established comprehensive in vitro/in vivo safety assessment frameworks that supported the first domestically approved gene-editing HSC IND in China, multiple CDE and FDA IND submissions, and progression of two programs to registrational clinical trials and one to investigator-initiated trial (IIT). Proven track record in high-throughput functional screening (iBAR/BARBEKO/PASTMUS-based whole-genome and gene-range HTS), multi-omics data mining, and AI/ML-driven therapeutic target and molecule discovery. Strong programming foundation in Python, R, C, and shell scripting with 10+ years of HPC/Linux cluster administration. Published in Cell and Genome Biology; co-inventor on multiple key patents. Fluent scientific communicator who bridges computational innovation, experimental validation, regulatory strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to advance transformative genetic medicines from concept to clinic.For my track record, see https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4975-452X