Yiyun Lily Zhang
Chicago
Summary
PhD researcher in Pharmaceutical Sciences with extensive experience supporting analytical method development, protein characterization, and CMC-relevant activities in both academic and regulated pharmaceutical environments. Proven background in protein sample preparation, analytical assays, SOP-driven workflows, and IND-supporting studies. Strong communicator with high attention to data integrity, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Visiting Predoctoral Fellow
Northwestern University
01.2025 - Current
- Designed and executed CRISPR-based functional screens with integrated genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to identify determinants of CTC- and extracellular vesicle–mediated drug delivery
- Applied bioanalytical, biomarker, and in vivo models to elucidate mechanisms of cellular uptake and enhance delivery efficiency and target engagement
- Integrated multi-omics datasets to uncover pathways regulating therapeutic delivery and inform disease-relevant phenotypes
- Performed glycoproteomic, extracellular vesicle, and primary immune cell analyses to characterize functional responses and molecular drivers of delivery
- Collaborated with CROs and academic partners on specialized studies, leading experimental design, data review, and troubleshooting to ensure reproducibility
- Presented research at conferences and seminars to scientific audiences and field leaders
PhD Researcher
University of Toronto
09.2021 - 06.2026
- Designed, optimized, and performed CRISPR screens and bioanalytical assays, enabling mechanism of action studies for top hits from functional screens.
- Cultured and analyzed primary immune cells to assess functional responses and biomarker expression.
- Collaborated with CRO and academic partners on specialized assay execution, aligning study design, reviewing data, and troubleshooting to ensure data quality.
Research Tech III
University of British Columbia
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Design and execute optimized cell-based potency assays (bioluminescence, TR-FRET, LDH) to evaluate receptor activity and drug response
- Designed experiments to explore interactions between nuclear receptors PXR and CAR and various endogenous substances and molecules
- Design experiments to investigate the interactions between nuclear receptors PXR and CAR, endogenous substances, and molecules
- Analyzed and organized data into clear reports for publication, facilitating knowledge dissemination within the research community
Research Technician
Genevent Sciences Corp.
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Executed preclinical target validation and siRNA candidate evaluation using in vitro assays and humanized mouse models, contributing to informed decision-making in therapeutic development
- Generated analytical data to support regulatory documentation and IND-enabling studies, ensuring compliance and facilitating progress in drug development
- Analyzed biological samples using advanced laboratory techniques.
- Conducted experiments to support genetic research initiatives.
- Maintained laboratory equipment through regular calibration and servicing, ensuring optimal performance.
Research Assistant
Virogin biotech
05.2017 - 12.2017
- Developed and produced recombinant protein attachments for integration into oncolytic virus platforms to enhance therapeutic potential
- Purified diverse proteins using various purification methods to support ongoing research projects
- Determined protein expression, purity, and binding affinity through experiments involving protein binding assays, Blitz binding kinetics, SDS-PAGE, and Western Blotting
- Maintained mammalian cell cultures and performed transfections on the cells to induce protein expression
- Created and standardized experimental protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for in-house protocols to ensure consistent and quality-controlled protein production
- Mentored and trained junior Co-op students
Education
Visiting Predoctoral Fellow -
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL06-2026
Doctor of Philosophy -
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON06-2026
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, B.C.01-2019
Skills
- Biomarker identification
- Immunological assays
- Bioanalytical assays
- Nucleic acid assays
- Flow cytometry
- Assay validation
- CRISPR functional screens
- Murine model development
- Mammalian cell culture
- Bioinformatics analysis
- Statistical analysis
- SOP development
Administrative Activities
- Committee member/organizer, Centre of pharmaceutical oncology (CPO), 2022, 2025, Organize research symposium to showcase department oncology research, Invited speakers for symposium and seminar series, Chair speaker presentations for symposium
- Committee member/organizer, graduate research in progress (GRIP), 10/2021, 06/2023, Organize research symposium to showcase department research findings to faculty and students, Involved in scheduling meetings, creating symposium schedule, contacting students and faculty to obtain presentation posters, Involved in designing necessary documents for symposium
Publications
- N-glycosylation–dependent glycocalyx remodeling governs cellular uptake of small extracellular vesicles., Science Advances, Under review, First author
- A Magneto-Activated Nanoscale Cytometry Platform for Molecular Profiling of Exosomes., Nature Communications, 2021, co-author
- A mitochondrial probe for glutathione depletion reveals NME3 essentiality for the mitochondrial redox response., ACS Chemical Biology, 2024, co-author
- Continuous Insulin Monitoring Using an Antibody-Protecting Zwitterionic Microneedle Patch., Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2025, co-author
Funding Sources
- Centre for pharmaceutical oncology, 09/2024, 08/2025, $4,000, Funding is competitive
- Canadian institute of health research (cihr), CGS-M, 09/2022, 08/2023, $17,500 for 1 year, Funding is competitive
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), NSERC undergraduate service award, 08/2017, 12/2017, $4,500 for 4 months, Funding is competitive
Presentations
- Keystone symposium, 03/2026, Genome wide CRISPR screen reveals N-glycosylation inhibits uptake of sEVs by prostate cancer cells
- CPO symposium, 05/2025 Genome wide CRISPR screen reveals N-glycosylation inhibits uptake of sEVs by prostate cancer cells
- CPO symposium, 05/2023, In Vivo genome wide CRISPRa screening of circulating tumor cells, Won poster presentation contest in cancer biology subdivision
- PGSA 3 min thesis, 02/2023, In Vivo genome wide CRISPRa screening of circulating tumor cells
- 3 minute Thesis, 11/2018, siRNA knock down of TAFI
Timeline
Visiting Predoctoral Fellow
Northwestern University
01.2025 - Current
PhD Researcher
University of Toronto
09.2021 - 06.2026
Research Tech III
University of British Columbia
08.2019 - 08.2021
Research Technician
Genevent Sciences Corp.
01.2018 - 08.2018
Research Assistant
Virogin biotech
05.2017 - 12.2017
Visiting Predoctoral Fellow -
Northwestern University
Doctor of Philosophy -
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of British Columbia