Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Category: Life, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Requisition Number: POSTD
001461

• Posted :
  September 2, 2026
• Full-Time

Showing 1 location

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
1731

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

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.

• 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.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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,…