Sharon Zhao
About Sharon Zhao
Sharon Zhao serves as the Senior Director of Lead Discovery & Optimization at Arcus Biosciences, where she has worked since 2020. With a strong background in biochemistry and extensive experience in the biotechnology industry, she has held various research and leadership roles over her career.
Current Role at Arcus Biosciences
Sharon Zhao serves as the Senior Director of Lead Discovery & Optimization at Arcus Biosciences. She has held this position since 2022, contributing to the company's efforts in drug discovery and optimization. Prior to this role, she was the Director of Lead Discovery & Optimization, a position she held from 2020 to 2022. Her work focuses on advancing lead compounds through the discovery process, ensuring that promising candidates are optimized for further development.
Previous Experience at Arcus Biosciences
Sharon Zhao worked at Arcus Biosciences from 2016 to 2020 as a Research Fellow. During her tenure, she engaged in various research initiatives that supported the company's drug discovery programs. Her experience at Arcus laid the groundwork for her subsequent leadership roles within the organization.
Professional Background in Biochemistry
Sharon Zhao has extensive experience in the biochemistry field, having worked at several prominent organizations. Before joining Arcus Biosciences, she was a Senior Scientist at Amgen from 2004 to 2016, where she contributed to significant projects in biopharmaceutical research. Additionally, she served as a Principal Scientist at Eurofins DiscoverX from 2000 to 2004 and as a Research Scientist at Clontech from 1997 to 2000.
Educational Qualifications
Sharon Zhao holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Toronto, which she completed between 1992 and 1997. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from McGill University from 1990 to 1992. Earlier, she studied at Peking University, where she achieved a degree in Biochemistry from 1987 to 1990. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her career in biochemistry and drug discovery.