Liren Du

Plant molecular biologist and PhD candidate with hands-on expertise in plant developmental genetics, epigenetic regulation, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, gene expression analysis, chromatin assays, and Arabidopsis phenotyping. Experienced in connecting gene regulatory mechanisms to plant developmental traits through molecular genetics, candidate gene validation, and integrated experimental workflows. Prior industry R&D experience at WuXi AppTec, including SOP-based project execution, QC coordination, and supervision of junior researchers in a timeline-driven CRO environment.

Seeking industry R&D opportunities in plant biotechnology, genome editing, functional genomics, trait biology, and molecular genetics, with interest in applying mechanistic plant biology to crop improvement and breeding technology.

PhD Candidate, Xu Lab - University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences - Columbia, SC

(2021-01 - 2027-05)

Investigate epigenetic and transcriptional regulation underlying vegetative phase change and developmental timing in Arabidopsis thaliana.

• Design and execute hypothesis-driven experiments integrating plant genetics, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, chromatin analysis, gene expression assays, protein interaction studies, and phenotyping.
• Generate and validate CRISPR/Cas9-edited lines for candidate regulatory genes through PCR-based genotyping, molecular confirmation, and downstream developmental characterization.
• Apply ChIP-qPCR, RT-qPCR/qPCR, Western blotting, and yeast two-hybrid assays to examine regulatory pathways at chromatin, transcriptional, and protein-interaction levels.
• Connect molecular mechanisms to plant trait outcomes by integrating genotype, gene expression, chromatin-state, protein-interaction, and phenotype data.
• Contribute to manuscript development through data generation, interpretation, and figure preparation, resulting in co-authorship on publications in Nucleic Acids Research, New Phytologist, PNAS, and Genes.

Researcher, Organic Synthesis R&D - WuXi AppTec - Tianjin, China

(2020-01 - 2021-12)

Supported early-stage drug discovery projects through execution of small-scale organic synthesis workflows in a CRO R&D environment.

• Managed reaction setup, progress monitoring, workup, documentation, and coordination with QC to deliver experimental results under timeline-driven project requirements.
• Supervised two associate researchers by providing day-to-day experimental guidance, task coordination, training support, and troubleshooting assistance.
• Maintained accurate experimental records and followed SOP-based workflows to ensure reproducibility, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot technical issues and support client-facing research programs.

PhD - Biology - University of South Carolina (2027-05)

M.S. - Botany - Lanzhou University (2020-05)