Postdoctoral Fellow: Exosome Biology & Cancer Metabolism

Job Category: Life, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Requisition Number: POSTD
001461

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• Posted :
  September 2, 2026
• Full-Time

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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
1731

E. 120th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA

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, Nano Sight).
• 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…