Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

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:

• Design and execute experiments investigating the molecular mechanisms by which tumor-derived exosomes mediate cell-cell communication and drive breast cancer metastasis.
• Design, synthesize, and evaluate exosome-based delivery systems for targeted breast cancer therapeutic development.
• Investigate metabolic reprogramming (glucose, glutamine, and lactate metabolism) driving breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, using stable-isotope tracing and metabolomic profiling.
• Identify and characterize small-molecule anti-cancer compounds and elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action.
• Perform isolation, purification, and characterization of exosomes/extracellular vesicles from cell culture and biological samples using established core platforms (e.g., microfluidics-based isolation, NanoSight).
• Perform routine and advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques, including Western blotting, qRT-PCR, RNA/DNA/protein extraction, and culture and maintenance of breast cancer cell lines.
• Utilize RCMI AXIS core research infrastructure, including Next Generation Sequencing, imaging flow cytometry, super-resolution confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry (SILAC/proteomics), and in vivo small-animal imaging, to address research questions.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, including statistical and bioinformatics analyses, and maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records.
• Demonstrate creativity and independence in designing new techniques and experimental approaches to advance ongoing exosome biology, cancer metabolism, and drug discovery projects.
• Present research findings at local and national scientific meetings.
• Prepare and submit manuscripts on research data generated, at a rate of at least one manuscript per year.
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications and progress reports.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in mentoring graduate students, research staff, and junior trainees in the laboratory.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory reagents, chemicals, and supplies needed for ongoing studies.
• Ensure all research activities comply with institutional biosafety, IACUC (where applicable), and other regulatory requirements.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

EDUCATION:

• Regionally accredited doctoral degree (Ph.D., MD.) required,
• And/or equivalent in a research-related discipline.

EXPERIENCE:

• Doctoral-level (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) training with a strong background in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• 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.
• Prior experience with extracellular vesicle/exosome isolation, characterization, and functional analysis is advantageous but not required.
• Prior experience in cancer metabolism research (e.g., stable-isotope tracing, metabolomic profiling) 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.
• Experience in cell and molecular aspects of cancer research.
• Experience with in vivo animal models (mouse/rat) is a plus.
• A record of first-author peer-reviewed publications is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS:

• Laboratory skills needed, including the ability to perform biochemical assays and molecular biology techniques.
• Able to troubleshoot and resolve technical difficulties.
• Committed to a career in Cancer Research.
• Strong interest in exosome biology, cancer metabolism, and/or small-molecule drug discovery.

COMPLEXITY:

• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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:

• $70,340 - $73,998 Annual

POSITION STATUS:

• Full Time, Exempt

EEO STATEMENT: 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.

FAIR CHANCE STATEMENT: 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.