Postdoctoral Fellow

Postdoctoral Fellow In Exosome Biology And Cancer Metabolism Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Qiongyu Hao, the Postdoctoral Fellow conducts basic science and pre-clinical research on exosome biology and cancer metabolism in breast cancer, and performs a broad range of routine to advanced research duties spanning molecular and cellular biology, metabolic profiling, and small-molecule drug discovery. Current projects focus on three major areas: (1) the role of exosomes in mediating tumor cell communication and driving metastasis, including development of exosome-based therapeutic delivery systems; (2) metabolic reprogramming (glucose, glutamine, and lactate metabolism) as a driver of breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance; and (3) identification and mechanistic characterization of small-molecule anti-cancer compounds. Essential duties and responsibilities include designing and executing experiments investigating the molecular mechanisms by which tumor-derived exosomes mediate cell-cell communication and drive breast cancer metastasis, designing, synthesizing, and evaluating exosome-based delivery systems for targeted breast cancer therapeutic development, investigating metabolic reprogramming driving breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, identifying and characterizing small-molecule anti-cancer compounds, performing isolation, purification, and characterization of exosomes/extracellular vesicles from cell culture and biological samples using established core platforms, performing routine and advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques, utilizing RCMI AXIS core research infrastructure, analyzing and interpreting experimental data, demonstrating creativity and independence in designing new techniques and experimental approaches, presenting research findings at scientific meetings, preparing and submitting manuscripts on research data generated, assisting in the preparation of grant applications and progress reports, assisting the Principal Investigator in mentoring graduate students, research staff, and junior trainees in the laboratory, maintaining inventory of laboratory reagents, chemicals, and supplies needed for ongoing studies, and ensuring all research activities comply with institutional biosafety, IACUC, and other regulatory requirements. Other duties and responsibilities include performing other related duties as assigned. Qualifications/requirements include a regionally accredited doctoral degree (Ph.D., MD.) required, and/or equivalent in a research-related discipline. Doctoral-level training with a strong background in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline is required. Experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques is required, including Western blotting, PCR/RT-PCR/Real-Time PCR, and RNA/DNA/protein extraction. Experience in establishing and maintaining mammalian cell cultures, particularly breast cancer or other cancer cell lines, is required. Prior experience with extracellular vesicle/exosome isolation, characterization, and functional analysis is advantageous but not required. Prior experience in cancer metabolism research is advantageous but not required. Experience in small-molecule drug discovery or medicinal chemistry approaches is a plus. Prior statistical experience with quantitative data analysis and proficiency with commonly used statistical/bioinformatics software is required. Experience in cell and molecular aspects of cancer research is required. Experience with in vivo animal models is a plus. A record of first-author peer-reviewed publications is preferred. Laboratory skills needed, including the ability to perform biochemical assays and molecular biology techniques, are required. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical difficulties is required. Committed to a career in Cancer Research is required. Strong interest in exosome biology, cancer metabolism, and/or small-molecule drug discovery is required. The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position. Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near. Frequent work on a variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating, interrupted work, work on a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity. Ability to work effectively with a diverse community. The ideal candidate will be seeking a career in Cancer Research and able to make a long-term commitment. Compensation is $70,340 - $73,998 Annual. Position status is Full Time, Exempt. Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.