Li Zhang

Dr. Li Zhang serves as the Associate Director of the Therapeutics Research Program within the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). She offers oversight for clinical research and trials focused on diagnostics and therapeutics for HIV, tuberculosis, and related co-infections. Before joining DAIDS, Dr. Zhang held the positions of NIAID Country Director for China and Regional Officer for Asia. In this capacity, she facilitated technical exchanges between NIAID and international partners on COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. She also supported collaborative efforts in therapeutic and vaccine development and organized trans-USG meetings to advance clinical trials and capacity-building initiatives.

Dr. Zhang’s previous experience includes serving as a researcher at Duke University Medical Center, specializing in genomics and disease association studies. She later transitioned to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she served as a regulator, reviewing new drug submissions and leading industry guidance development. Prior to her tenure at NIAID, Dr. Zhang held various leadership roles in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, including Medical Director, R&D Program Lead, and Head of Clinical Development.