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
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