Dr. Yinwen Liang obtained the bachelor’s degree from Xiamen University and PhD. Degree from Tsinghua University, followed up by postdoc training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA. Prior to Joining CIMR, Dr. Liang has been promoted to senior scientist at MSKCC. Dr. Liang will become an independent Principal Investigator (PI), Assistant Investigator, at CIMR in January 2026. The Liang lab at CIMR investigates the fundamental questions of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of cilia biology and Hedgehog signaling pathway. The long-term goal is to translate mechanistic insights into therapeutic strategy for ciliopathies and HH driven brain tumor such as medulloblastoma. The team will integrate cutting edge animal models, human genetics and multi-omics approaches to drive these studies. 

Major Research Projects

a. Identifying novel regulators of the ciliary gene regulatory network.

b. Dissecting cell-type-specific cilia formation and morphological diversity.

c. Revealing the molecular mechanisms of ciliopathies and SHH-medulloblastoma.

Major Contributions

a. Discovered transcription factors SP5 and SP8 as key transcriptional regulators in cilia formation (Science, 2025).

b. Uncovered the mechanisms of intraflagellar transport machinery and cilia assembly (Current Biology, 2018; Developmental Cell, 2014a; Developmental Cell, 2014b).

c. Revealed molecular insights into ciliopathies and SHH-medulloblastoma (Science, 2025; eLife, 2025; Journal of Cell Biology, 2018; American Journal of Human Genetics, 2018).

Representative Publications

Science, 2025, 389 (6763): eadt5663. DOI: 10.1126/science. adt5663

eLife, 2025. DOI:10.7554/eLife.108190.1

Current Biology, 2018, 28(15): 2429-2435.e3. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.05.069

Journal of Cell Biology, 2018, 217(1): 413-427. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201604048

Developmental Cell, 2014, 30(5): 585-97. DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.07.019 (Highlighted by Developmental Cell, 2014, DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.08.019)

Postdoctoral Researcher (2)

Main Responsibilities

a. Conduct research projects independently under the guidance of the PI.

b. Assist in supervising graduate students and writing research papers and grant proposals.

Qualifications

a. A recent Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, bioinformatics or related fields.

b. Proven track record of first-author publications in reputable journals in the field.

c. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and mentor graduate students, with a strong passion for scientific research.

d. Proficiency in written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively and prepare manuscripts.

This recruitment is valid for the long term until a suitable candidate is recruited.