Xiao Niu

PhD Candidate with Biotech Consulting & Research Expertise

About

PhD candidate in Genetics with a strong academic background and extensive experience in biotech consulting, venture capital, and epidemiology. Proven ability in scientific diligence, market analysis, financial management, and advanced research, with contributions to multiple publications.

Education

Saint Louis University

Ph.D. Student / 2026 (anticipated)

South China Agricultural University

Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine / 2019

Experience

VC Lab Venture Institute

Fellow / December, 2025 — December

Sourced 30+ biotech startups through market scans and founder outreach, building an early-stage investment pipeline. Conducted scientific and commercial diligence, assessing technical feasibility, business models, and investment risk. Tracked 14 startup deals and 20+ LP contacts, centralizing diligence records and improving pipeline visibility.

The BALSA Group

Project Manager, Consultant / August, 2023 — Present

Led a team of 4 to evaluate 70+ assets and interview 15 clinical practitioners to inform CNS drug R&D prioritization. Designed 100+ customer surveys to validate market demand, guiding MVP and licensing strategy for a medical device. Advised commercialization strategy for a synthetic biology startup, defining competitor landscape and revenue model. Benchmarked competitive landscape and pricing strategy across 10+ D2C omics testing providers to define GTM strategy. Evaluated 15+ CRISPR delivery platforms and conducted 5 KOL interviews to assess unmet needs and prioritize partnerships.

Director of Finance / March, 2025 — February, 2026

Evaluated 20+ early-stage ventures through market assessments and valuation reviews for internal funding decisions. Led budgeting and cash flow management for a 50-member NGO, delivering annual forecasts and standardized reporting. Built a 5-year financial and cost-reduction plan, stabilizing operations and strengthening long-term sustainability.

Bridge to BCG

Participant / May, 2025 — May, 2025

Selected for a highly competitive 2-day consulting workshop for advanced degree candidates.

Oracle

Epidemiology Consulting Intern / May, 2024 — September, 2024

Synthesized 1000+ oncology studies across 8 countries to build an epidemiology dataset covering 5 major cancers. Consolidated multi-sourced data into a standardized analysis-ready structure, enabling consistent regional comparisons. Led esophageal cancer regional analysis and influenced leadership to add new risk factors into portfolio prioritization. Expanded CancerMPact Patient Cloud coverage by 10% and increased adoption, accelerating oncology forecasting.

Saint Louis University

Teaching Assistant / January, 2021 — December, 2023

Independently taught biology lab lectures, tutored and graded a full-term course with 52 undergraduates for 2 years.

Research Assistant / January, 2021 — June, 2026

Implemented data integration browser and search features for TSSHub, a transcriptomic database spanning 100+ species. Built quantitative experimental/computational pipelines to measure RNA stability and derive transcriptomic biomarkers. Co-authored 3 publications in top 10% Biological journals, with 2 first-author manuscripts in preparation. Presented an oral talk at the ASBMB Annual Meeting (attended by +2.5K professionals) in 2023.

Louisiana State University

Research Assistant / January, 2019 — December, 2021

Optimized mammalian stem cell extraction and cryopreservation protocols for regenerative therapy applications. Co-authored one paper; Awards 4K Grants for 2 years from the Veterinary Medicine Research Program (top 25%).

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