Zhiyao (Bobby) Zhang
Portage,MI
Summary
Senior Scientist with Ph.D. training in biochemistry and industry experience supporting analytical method development and validation in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environments. Demonstrated record of generating audit-ready data, leading laboratory investigations, and contributing to client drug development programs. Combines strong technical judgment with a collaborative working style to deliver reliable scientific outcomes. Prepared to contribute analytical expertise and doctoral training to advance pharmaceutical development within a leading biopharma organization.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist — Method Development & Validation
Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing (BPT)
Portage
08.2025 - Current
- Lead analytical activities supporting method development and validation across multiple client pharmaceutical programs within GMP-regulated environments.
- Support several concurrent client programs in a fast-paced GMP laboratory.
- Execute and troubleshoot HPLC/UPLC assays for peptides and modified amino acids, ensuring data integrity and audit readiness.
- Design feasibility studies and drive laboratory investigations, including out-of-specification (OOS) results, delivering scientifically defensible outcomes.
- Partner with cross-functional teams and clients to align analytical strategies with program timelines and technical requirements.
- Author protocols, technical reports, and validation documentation supporting client drug development efforts.
- Mentor junior scientists and strengthen laboratory operations through workflow optimization and process improvements.
Graduate Research Assistant
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Engineered and characterized enzymes using advanced biochemical and analytical techniques, generating peer-reviewed publications.
- Developed purification workflows and analytical methods for protein systems, strengthening expertise in chromatography and spectroscopy.
- Designed experiments, interpreted complex datasets, and presented findings to multidisciplinary audiences.
- Mentored undergraduate researchers and fostered a collaborative laboratory environment.
Teaching Assistant
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Instructed biochemistry and organic chemistry laboratories, reinforcing technical fundamentals and safe laboratory practices.
- Guided students in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI08-2025
B.S. - Biochemistry
University of Michigan
05-2020
Skills
- Analytical Techniques: HPLC/UPLC-MS, GC, NMR, UV/IR, chromatography
- Method Expertise: Method development, validation, stability testing
- GMP & Documentation: Technical writing, validation protocols
- Programming: Python, R
Selected Publications
- Zhang, Z., Freeland, K., Stull, F. Role of glutamate 292 and lysine 331 in catalysis for the flavoenzyme (S)-6-hydroxynicotine oxidase from Shinella sp. HZN7. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2025.
- Zhang, Z., et al. Ancestral evolution of oxidase activity in nicotine-degrading flavoenzymes. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2025.
- Dulchavsky, M., Zhang, Z., et al. Directed evolution unlocks oxygen reactivity for a nicotine-degrading flavoenzyme. Nature Chemical Biology, 2023.
Additional publications available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Scientist — Method Development & Validation
Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing (BPT)
08.2025 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
Western Michigan University
01.2020 - 01.2025
Teaching Assistant
Western Michigan University
01.2020 - 01.2023
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Western Michigan University
B.S. - Biochemistry
University of Michigan