Peili Zhang, PhD, is a pioneering biotech data science executive whose career has been defined by a singular mission: to harness the power of data, artificial intelligence, and scientific insight to accelerate the development of transformative therapies. With more than fifteen years of experience spanning global pharmaceutical leaders and emerging biotech startups, she has built a reputation as a visionary leader who bridges deep scientific expertise with strategic execution across the full drug development lifecycle.
Dr. Zhang’s professional journey began with a strong academic foundation, earning her Ph.D. in Biophysics from Harvard University, where she focused on protein structure and dynamics. This early work instilled in her a rigorous, systems-level understanding of biology that continues to inform her approach to modern data science. Her undergraduate training in physics at Peking University further sharpened her analytical mindset, enabling her to navigate complex, multidimensional scientific challenges with precision and creativity.
She entered the industry through her work at Harvard’s FlyBase, where she developed data management systems and ontologies that improved the accessibility and integrity of large-scale biological datasets. This formative experience sparked her enduring interest in data infrastructure and knowledge systems, laying the groundwork for her later leadership in building scalable, AI-driven platforms for biomedical research.
At Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Zhang spent nearly a decade advancing computational biology capabilities across multiple therapeutic areas. As a senior research scientist and group leader, she led initiatives that integrated diverse datasets and applied novel analytics to improve R&D decision-making. Her work helped establish data-driven frameworks that enhanced preclinical research and supported drug discovery efforts in complex disease areas.
Her transition to Agios Pharmaceuticals marked a pivotal step into translational science leadership. As a principal scientist, she played a critical role in advancing the oncology compound AG-270, leading bioinformatics efforts that contributed to a successful Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Her work in predictive modeling and patient stratification demonstrated her ability to translate data insights into clinical strategy, reinforcing her reputation as a leader who delivers tangible pipeline impact.
Dr. Zhang continued to expand her influence at Vivid Biosciences, where she built the data science function from the ground up. There, she designed and implemented a cloud-based data infrastructure capable of integrating multimodal datasets across experimental systems. Her leadership fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration, enabling the organization to leverage data more effectively in precision oncology research.
At WuXi AppTec, she served as Executive Director of Bioinformatics, where she led large-scale data science initiatives and integrated AI-driven analytics into genomic and transcriptomic workflows. In addition to supporting internal programs, she advised portfolio companies on digital transformation strategies, helping to accelerate their R&D pipelines and strengthen their competitive positioning in the biotech ecosystem.
As Chief Data Officer at AliveX Biotech, Dr. Zhang brought together her expertise in strategy, technology, and team leadership to architect a comprehensive data ecosystem. She built and led a multidisciplinary team, implemented a scalable cloud-based data platform, and drove the integration of multi-modal data to support target identification and biomarker discovery. Under her leadership, the organization achieved measurable improvements in efficiency, reducing costs and accelerating development timelines.
In 2023, she founded Forward Informatics, LLC, where she serves as Founder, CEO, and principal consultant. Through this venture, she partners with biotech startups and executives to design and implement AI-driven data strategies. Her work includes building cloud-native platforms, developing knowledge graph-based inference systems, and applying advanced machine learning techniques to unlock insights from multi-omics and real-world data. Her strategic contributions have directly supported fundraising efforts, technical roadmaps, and the creation of high-value therapeutic assets.
Most recently, Dr. Zhang co-founded Strata Biolab, where she serves as Chief Scientific Officer. In this role, she leads the company’s scientific vision and technology strategy, focusing on cutting-edge innovations in single-cell and spatial metabolomics. She is responsible for aligning platform capabilities with unmet needs in oncology and metabolic diseases, driving the development of next-generation tools that enable precision medicine and accelerate drug discovery.
Beyond her executive roles, Dr. Zhang is deeply committed to advancing the broader biotech community. She actively mentors early-stage startups through programs such as MassBio Drive and contributes to professional organizations that support women in science and technology. Her dedication to mentorship and collaboration reflects her belief that innovation thrives in inclusive, knowledge-sharing environments.
Throughout her career, Dr. Zhang has distinguished herself as a leader who not only understands the science but also shapes strategy at the highest levels. Her ability to integrate artificial intelligence, data engineering, and biological insight has positioned her at the forefront of the rapidly evolving techbio landscape. She is widely recognized for her capacity to transform complex data into actionable knowledge, ultimately driving the development of therapies that improve patient outcomes.
Her work continues to influence how biotech organizations leverage data as a strategic asset, redefining the role of data science in modern drug discovery. As both a builder and a visionary, Dr. Zhang remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible at the intersection of biology and technology.
Character:
Dr. Zhang demonstrates integrity and purpose through her consistent commitment to advancing science in ways that benefit patients and society. She leads with humility and a collaborative spirit, fostering environments where diverse perspectives are valued and innovation can flourish. Her dedication to mentorship and community engagement reflects a strong sense of responsibility to support the next generation of leaders in biotech.
Knowledge:
She possesses deep expertise across biophysics, computational biology, and artificial intelligence, enabling her to navigate complex scientific challenges with authority. She continually expands her knowledge at the forefront of emerging technologies, including generative AI and knowledge graph systems. Her ability to integrate multidisciplinary insights allows her to translate cutting-edge science into practical applications in drug development.
Strategic:
Dr. Zhang excels at aligning data science initiatives with broader business and scientific objectives, ensuring that innovation drives measurable impact. She has a proven track record of designing and executing strategies that accelerate pipeline development and enhance organizational capabilities. Her forward-thinking approach positions companies to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the evolving biotech landscape.
Communication:
Communicating complex scientific and technical concepts with clarity and precision, enabling alignment across cross-functional teams and stakeholders. She is highly effective in engaging executives, investors, and scientific collaborators, translating data-driven insights into compelling narratives. Her communication style fosters trust, facilitates decision-making, and drives collective progress toward shared goals.
