Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow ? Extracellular Vesicles & Breast Cancer Metastasis

Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Department: Biological Sciences

Principal Investigator: Dr. Nykia Walker

Position Summary

The Walker Lab at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team. Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles contribute to breast cancer metastasis. We employ genomic, biochemical, and functional approaches to explore tumor-stroma interactions, identify novel therapeutic targets, and test findings in pre-clinical models. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead independent and collaborative projects, work with cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics and liquid biopsy approaches, and contribute to high-impact publications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments related to extracellular vesicle-mediated tumor-stroma interactions.
• Isolate and characterize extracellular vesicles from cell culture and patient samples.
• Investigate the biochemical composition of EVs, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
• Utilize biochemical assays to assess EV cargo function and interactions.
• Perform in vivo experiments using pre-clinical models of breast cancer (e.g., xenograft or genetically engineered mouse models).
• Conduct animal handling procedures, including tissue collection and imaging-based analyses.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.

Learn more about our lab and research

Lab website:

Follow us on IG (thewalkerlab1) or X (@theWalkerLab1)

For questions, please contact Dr. Nykia Walker at ndwalker@umbc.edu .

Salary Range: $50,000 - $61,000 commensurate with experience

The above salary range represents the University?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Strong background in protein, lipid, and nucleic acid analysis in EVs.
• Proficiency in PCR-based techniques (qPCR, RT-PCR) for gene expression analysis.
• Experience with gene editing tools (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9, siRNA/shRNA knockdown).
• Experience with flow cytometry for cell and EV analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Background in breast cancer models and tumor microenvironment research.
• Experience with extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization.
• Experience with bioinformatics approaches for analyzing EV cargo
• Familiarity with spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, or other omics approaches.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter ? detailing research interests and fit for the position.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. One-page summary of your thesis research project.

Interested candidates should upload your application materials here:

Applications submitted solely through LinkedIn or ISEV will not be reviewed.

UMBC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

About University of Maryland, Baltimore County

UMBC is a dynamic public research university integrating teaching, research and service to benefit the citizens of Maryland. As an Honors University, the campus offers academically talented students a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation that prepares them for graduate and professional study, entry into the workforce, and community service and leadership. UMBC emphasizes science, engineering, information technology, human services and public policy at the graduate level. UMBC contributes to the economic development of the State and the region through entrepreneurial initiatives, workforce training, K-16 partnerships, and technology commercialization in collaboration with public agencies and the corporate community. UMBC is dedicated to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility and lifelong learning.

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