Assist. Prof. Dr. Lin Jin, university of alabama at birmingham, United States
Dr. Lin Jin, PhD, is a leading biomedical scientist specializing in cancer biology and dermatological diseases. Currently affiliated with the Department of Dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Dr. Jin has over 15 years of experience in translational research with a focus on epithelial cell biology, stemness, and inflammation. His research has significantly contributed to the understanding of hidradenitis suppurativa and colorectal cancer. Dr. Jin has held postdoctoral fellowships at both Vanderbilt University and UAB and earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Jinan University, China. As a first and co-corresponding author in several high-impact journals, including PNAS, Nature Communications, and Cancer Research, Dr. Jin is known for his cutting-edge work in molecular mechanisms underlying oncogenesis and inflammatory skin diseases. His dedication to science, paired with strong collaborative leadership, has earned him recognition, including a Best Research Poster award at the Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology in 2023.
Publication Profile:
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✅ Strengths for the Award:
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High-Impact Publications:
Dr. Jin has consistently published in top-tier journals including PNAS, Nature Communications, Cancer Research, and Gastroenterology. He has multiple first-author and co-corresponding author credits, which underscores his leadership in research.
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Translational Research Excellence:
His work bridges basic science and clinical application, particularly in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and cancer biology, contributing both to understanding molecular mechanisms and developing models for therapeutic screening.
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Interdisciplinary Expertise:
Dr. Jin’s research spans stem cell biology, epigenetics, cancer signaling, and dermatological inflammation, showcasing a rare and valuable interdisciplinary scope.
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Award-Winning Research:
He received the Best Research Poster Award at the 2023 Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology, a competitive and peer-reviewed platform.
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Consistent Productivity:
Over 20 peer-reviewed publications in just over a decade reflect sustained scientific output, with several articles receiving high citation counts.
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Academic Mentorship and Collaboration:
Active involvement in multi-author studies and mentorship roles indicate his collaborative nature and influence in team science.
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Recognition by Institution:
His Nature Communications study was highlighted as a UAB Featured Discovery, which reflects institutional validation of research impact.
⚙️ Areas for Improvement:
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Independent PI Track:
While Dr. Jin has a robust publication record, formal documentation of his role as a Principal Investigator (PI) on grants or independent funding initiatives could further strengthen his candidacy.
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Broader Leadership Roles:
Participation in grant review panels, editorial boards, or leadership within professional societies (e.g., SID committees) would demonstrate a broader academic influence.
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Expanded Recognition:
Additional national or international awards and invited keynote lectures could enhance his external profile and leadership visibility in the field.
🎓 Education:
Dr. Lin Jin’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to biomedical sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering in 2009 from Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, where he developed expertise in proteomics and molecular biology. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued two consecutive postdoctoral fellowships in Cancer Biology—first at Vanderbilt University (2009–2012), and then at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2012–2013). These positions enabled him to gain advanced experience in translational research, stem cell biology, and oncogenic signaling pathways. Throughout his education, Dr. Jin focused on the molecular basis of cancer development, particularly exploring signaling pathways and gene regulation. His multidisciplinary training in engineering, biology, and cancer research laid the groundwork for his later success in dermatological research. This diverse academic background has empowered him to lead interdisciplinary projects that bridge basic science and clinical dermatology.
💼 Experience:
Dr. Jin has extensive research experience across prestigious institutions. His career began in China, where he contributed to proteomics and apoptosis research. He then advanced his expertise through postdoctoral roles at Vanderbilt University (2009–2012), working on stemness and epigenetics, and at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2012–2013), focusing on epithelial biology and inflammation. Since then, he has served as a senior researcher in UAB’s Department of Dermatology, leading numerous projects on hidradenitis suppurativa, colorectal cancer, and stem cell signaling. Dr. Jin has authored over 20 high-impact publications and plays an active role in collaborative research, working with interdisciplinary teams including dermatologists, molecular biologists, and oncologists. His work has directly contributed to therapeutic advancements and better molecular understanding of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. As a co-corresponding author and lab leader, he has mentored junior researchers, making him not just a scientist but a key figure in translational medicine.
🏅 Awards and Honors:
Dr. Lin Jin has received notable recognition for his scientific achievements. Most recently, he was honored with the Best Research Poster Award at the 46th Annual Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology in 2023, held in Birmingham, Alabama. This award recognized his pioneering work on epigenetic mechanisms in hidradenitis suppurativa. His work published in Nature Communications was featured as UAB’s Featured Discovery in 2021, underlining the impact of his research in stem cell biology. His contributions have also led to multiple publications in top-tier journals, a testament to his excellence and innovation. Additionally, Dr. Jin has been an active member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) since 2022, further cementing his role in the dermatological research community. These accolades highlight his consistent drive to advance science and address pressing clinical problems with molecular insight and translational application.
🔬 Research Focus:
Dr. Jin’s research centers around molecular pathogenesis of inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases, especially hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory condition. His work explores epigenetic regulation, epithelial stem cell dynamics, alternative splicing, and tumorigenesis. His innovative studies use ex vivo models, genomic profiling, and pathway analysis to unravel how dysregulated signaling in epithelial progenitor cells drives both inflammation and hyperproliferation. He has also contributed substantially to understanding cancer stemness and EMT, particularly in colorectal and lung cancers, emphasizing the role of STRAP and Notch/Wnt signaling. Dr. Jin is at the forefront of integrating bioengineering, stem cell biology, and dermatology to discover novel therapeutic strategies. His current projects involve mapping epigenetic switches, developing culture models for drug testing, and identifying biomarkers for skin inflammation and cancer. This integrative and translational approach makes his research highly relevant for both academic advancement and clinical impact.
📚 Publication Top Notes:
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📘 Epigenetic switch reshapes epithelial progenitor cell signatures and drives inflammatory pathogenesis in hidradenitis suppurativa – PNAS, 2023
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🧬 Mechanism underlying follicular hyperproliferation and oncogenesis in hidradenitis suppurativa – iScience, 2023
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💊 Combined Inhibition of BET Bromodomain and mTORC1/2 Provides Therapeutic Advantage for Rhabdomyosarcoma – Mol Carcinog, 2022
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🧫 Ex Vivo Culture Models of Hidradenitis Suppurativa for Defining Molecular Pathogenesis and Treatment Efficacy – Inflammation, 2022
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🧩 Advances in molecular pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa: Dysregulated keratins and ECM signaling – Semin Cell Dev Biol, 2022
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🧠 STRAP as a mediator of APC mutation-induced intestinal tumorigenesis via a feed-forward mechanism – Gastroenterology, 2021
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🔄 STRAP regulates alternative splicing fidelity during mouse embryonic stem cell lineage commitment – Nat Commun, 2020
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🧪 STRAP deficiency impairs stem cell commitment via retinoic acid dysregulation – Stem Cells, 2018
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🔬 STRAP promotes stemness in colorectal cancer via Notch epigenetic regulation – Cancer Res, 2017
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🧱 TGF-ß-induced Claudin-4 expression via c-Jun signaling in NSCLC – Cell Signal, 2016
📝 Conclusion:
Dr. Lin Jin exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding and impactful researcher. His research has meaningfully advanced the molecular understanding of both inflammatory dermatological disorders and oncogenesis. His strong publication record, interdisciplinary expertise, and recognition within the dermatology and cancer biology communities make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.