Zhang's research primarily focuses on national security and emergency management, social risk governance, emergency response and control of major disasters, and security mitigation for the low-altitude economy. He has authored 13 books and published 300 academic papers.

He has led four projects of the National Social Science Fund of China, including two key projects, and has been involved in over 60 projects in total, including major research projects of the Ministry of Education, major projects of the Jiangsu Provincial Social Science Fund, and key projects of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice.

Zhang obtained his Ph.D. in administrative management from Nanjing University in 2009. He has held various academic positions and has been involved in various prestigious roles. He holds positions as an executive council member of the China Society of Emergency Management, standing director of the China Society of Administrative Reform, member of the Chinese Public Administration Society, and president of the Nanjing Behavioral Sciences Society, and more.