Xilin Jiang (江熹霖)

I am a statistical geneticist working on using molecular data to explain health outcomes. I am particularly interested in how additional data modality could enhance our current understanding of diseases.

I am broadly interested in two themes of research:

• Methodology development: I am interested in developing statistical methods to understand the molecular architecture (DNA, RNA, proteomics, metabolomics) of health outcomes (disease, treatment responses, comorbidity). In statistical terminology, I work on dimension reduction, longitudinal analysis, efficient inference methods, and causal inference.
• Translational research: We are collaborating with the NHS to develop tools and resources for computing risk scores using polygenic models, protein/metabolite levels, and e-health records. We work closely with clinical teams to investigate potential applications including clinical trials, treatment response prediction, and risk stratification.

If you are interested in working with us, check the opportunities page! Currently there are fully funded PhD positions at Cambridge DPT-MR. If you are interesting in working with me through the DPT-MR program, you should apply to the program directly and choose to do a rotation with us (— choosing project and group is a really important decision and the best way to make informed decision is trying it out–). I am not involved in the admission of this program so there is no benifit of getting in touch before enrolling in the program.

My research is funded by a Wellcome Early-Career award (PI). I have a primary affiliation at Cambridge University and a secondary affiliation at Harvard School of Public Health. My research program is sponsored by Professor Mike Inouye and Professor John Danesh at Cambridge University, and Professor Alkes Price at Harvard School of Pulic health. Previously I held a one-year transition British Heart Foundation career development fellowship (2022-2023). I got my DPhil in Genomic Medicine and Statistics from Oxford University, funded by a Rhodes Scholarship and a Wellcome Trust studentship. I received a BSc from Fudan University with an overall top GPA. I have experience in other computational biology topics, including infectious diseases (as a consultant to the Gates Foundation and China CDC on COVID response) and computational neuroscience (as an undergraduate researcher with Professor Thomas Yeo and Professor David Heeger).

During my PhD study, I enjoyed Oxford life through many (perhaps too many) events. I delivered the scholar address (name for a student speech delivered at the scholarship graduating ceremony) for the Rhodes scholar class of 2017; I organised two Rhodes China Trips; I kept supporting Rhodes Scholarship for China through multiple types of (volunteering) services.

I raced middle distance for my undergraduate college and tried triathlons at Oxford. I occasionally race local runs from 5k up to marathon to maintain fitness. Beside all this, I am an avid cook and enjoy sharing a table of good food (sometimes with a glass of wine) with family and friends.