About

I work where algorithms, cells, and experiments meet.

I am a computational and experimental biologist specializing in machine learning and single-cell genomics. I build computational frameworks to map and predict cell-state transitions, then test those predictions experimentally to uncover the underlying mechanisms.

Qin Zhu

Background

From pharmacology to scientific machine learning.

My training began in biological science and pharmacology, then expanded through biotechnology, genomics, statistics, and computational biology. That path shaped how I approach model development: biological context and experimental constraints should influence the algorithm from the beginning.

At UCSF, I develop methods for learning coherent cell-state landscapes and apply them to development, cancer, immunology, and perturbation response. I also build open-source software and mentor researchers working across dry-lab computation and wet-lab experimentation.

Training & appointments

2021–present

Postdoctoral Scholar

University of California, San Francisco · Mentor: Dr. Zev Gartner

2021

PhD · Genomics and Computational Biology

University of Pennsylvania · Advisers: Drs. Kai Tan and Junhyong Kim

2015

Master of Biotechnology

University of Pennsylvania

2013

BS · Biological Science

Nanjing University

Fellowships, honors & research support

2023–2026

Cancer Research Institute Immuno-Informatics Postdoctoral Fellowship

2021

Tom Kadesch Prize in Genetics Research

2020

Blavatnik Family Fellowship in Biomedical Research

Capabilities

Machine learning

Contrastive and representation learning, manifold learning, generative models, deep learning

Computation

Python, R, C/C++, SQL, PyTorch, TensorFlow, MATLAB, AWS, Docker, HPC

Single-cell biology

scRNA-seq analysis, scATAC-seq analysis, spatial multi-omics, data integration, high-dimensional visualization

Experimental biology

Single-cell sequencing, drug perturbation, molecular biology, cell culture, organoid and in vivo models

Complete record

Publications, talks, mentoring, and service.

Download public CV