理学博士，副教授，硕士研究生导师。
主要研究方向为昆虫系统学与生物地理学、生物多样性与有害生物防治。
主持和完成山东省高等学校科技计划项目等各种科研项目7项，参加中华人民共和国科学技术基础性工作专项1项、国家自然科学基金重大专项1项、国家自然科学基金5项。
现已以第一作者发表研究论文20余篇，其中SCI收录11篇。建立并发表半翅目头喙亚目叶蝉科昆虫新属8个、新种80余种。编写《中国动物志》1部，编写《内蒙古叶蝉（第2卷）》1部，参编《贵州野生动物名录》1部，参编《贵州大学馆藏昆虫（头喙类）模式标本图志》1部。
代表性论文：
Yu-jian Li,Zi-zhong Li & Mao-fa Yang.Simaonukia,a new genus of the leafhopper tribe Evacanthini (Hemiptera,Cicadellidae,Evacanthinae),with descriptions of a new species from China.ZooKeys.2017,669:107–112. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li, Zi-zhong Li & Mao-fa Yang. A review of the leafhopper genus Subulatus Yang & Zhang (Hemiptera:
Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae), with description of a new species from China. Zootaxa. 2015, 3914 (1): 077–082. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. Shortcrowna, a new genus of Evacanthinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from China. Zootaxa. 2014, 3764 (4): 467–474. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. A new species of the leafhopper genus Multiformis Li & Li (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) from China. Zootaxa. 2014, 3755 (5): 496–500. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. A new species of the leafhopper genus Riseveinus Li, 1995 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) from China. Zootaxa. 2012, 3185: 59-63. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. Multiformis, a new genus of Evacanthinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with the descriptions of two new species from China. Zootaxa. 2012, 3185: 53-58. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. Parapythamus, a new genus of Evacanthinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from China.Zootaxa.2011, 3004: 40-44. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. A new species and new records of the leafhopper genus Taperus Li & Wang, 1994 (Hemiptera,Cicadellidae,Evacanthinae) from China. ZooKeys. 2011, 120: 1-8. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. Descriptions of six new species of Midoria (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Ledrinae) from China with a key to the species of the genus. Zootaxa. 2011, 2897: 57-63. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. Notes on the leafhopper genus Angustella Li (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae), with descriptions of four new species from China. Zootaxa. 2011, 2740: 44-52. (SCI收录)
Yu-jian Li & Zi-zhong Li. A taxonomic study of the genus Midoria Kato (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Ledrinae), with descriptions of two new species from China. Zootaxa. 2010, 2451: 63-68. (SCI收录)