Michael X. Zhang
About Michael X. Zhang
Michael X. Zhang serves as the Vice President and Head of IT and Data Sciences at Brii Biosciences, where he has worked since 2021. He has extensive experience in the biotechnology sector, having held various roles at Gilead Sciences and previously worked in research and consulting.
Current Role at Brii Biosciences
Michael X. Zhang serves as the Vice President and Head of IT and Data Sciences at Brii Biosciences. He has held this position since 2021, contributing to the company's strategic initiatives in San Mateo, California. In this role, he manages a global IT and Data Sciences team, emphasizing strategic leadership to enhance decision-making processes from research through clinical development. His responsibilities include maintaining service levels and ensuring quality user support across the organization.
Previous Experience at Gilead Sciences
Prior to his current role, Zhang worked at Gilead Sciences for over a decade. He held multiple positions, including Sr. Research Scientist and Head of Research Informatics from 2006 to 2010, and later served as Associate Director, Director, and Sr. Director of Clinical and Development Operations from 2010 to 2021. His work involved building a clinical data warehouse and developing visualization tools for medical monitoring and formulation/dose selection.
Educational Background
Zhang has a robust educational background in the sciences and business. He earned a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Houston (1994-1997) and a B.S. in Applied Chemistry from Peking University. He also completed an MBA in Business Administration at Golden Gate University (2008-2010) and participated in the Chief Technology Officer Program at the University of Pennsylvania (2022-2023).
Early Career and Research Experience
Zhang began his career as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Houston in 1998 for seven months. He then joined Breakaway Solutions as a Sr. Consultant from 2000 to 2001 in Redwood City, California. Following that, he worked at Gilead Sciences in various roles, starting as a Sr. IT Specialist and progressing to leadership positions in research informatics and clinical operations.
IT Infrastructure and Systems Implementation
In his roles, Zhang has implemented various enterprise systems to enhance operational efficiency. Notably, he established IT infrastructure including intranet, identity management, and cloud services utilizing AWS and Oracle. He also implemented Veeva Vault Clinical and Veeva Vault RIM systems to support regulatory filings and improve overall operational workflows.