Postdoctoral Fellow

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct basic science and pre-clinical research on exosome biology and cancer metabolism in breast cancer.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, you will perform molecular biology, metabolic profiling, and small-molecule drug discovery tasks. Current projects focus on exosome-mediated tumor cell communication and metastasis, metabolic reprogramming, and identification of novel

Qualifications

• Regionally accredited doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D.) required or equivalent in a research-related discipline.
• Experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques (Western blotting, PCR/qRT-PCR, extraction).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, especially breast cancer lines.
• Background in exosome biology, cancer metabolism, or small-molecule drug discovery is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and statistical/bioinformatics skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments on exosome-mediated breast cancer metastasis.
• Develop exosome-based delivery systems for targeted therapies.
• Conduct metabolic profiling using isotope tracing and metabolomics.
• Identify and characterize small-molecule anti-cancer compounds.
• Prepare manuscripts and assist in grant applications.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Biochemistry

Cancer biology

Mammalian cell culture

Statistical analysis

Education

Doctoral degree in biology or related field

Tools

Western blotting

PCR/ RT-PCR

RNA/DNA/protein extraction

Next generation sequencing

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Job Category: Life, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Requisition Number: POSTD001461

• Posted : September 2, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
1731 E. 120th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA

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.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Doctorate or better in Biology or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.