Na Cai, PhD

Na Cai, PhD has a comprehensive and diverse work experience. They started their career as an Honors Research Student at The University of Queensland in 2011, where they investigated the role of urokinase plasminogen activator and its receptor in mediating osteosarcoma metastasis. They also worked as a teaching assistant, gaining organizational and communicational skills.

In 2012, Na Cai joined Rutgers University as a PhD Fellow. During this time, they made significant contributions to the field by discovering a unique mechanism for regulating the function of a channel-kinase protein called TRPM7. This research resulted in two first-author publications and a successful application for an American Heart Association predoctoral fellowship. They gained expertise in mammalian cell culture, assay development, biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology. They also gained experience with animal work.

In 2016, Na Cai had a role at Allergan as a Doctoral Professional Shadowing participant. As part of the iJOBS career development program, they completed informational training in clinical research and participated in an on-site monitoring visit of an ongoing clinical trial. They had the opportunity to interact with subject matter experts in drug clinical development.

In 2018, Na Cai joined Merck as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate Scientist. They focused on investigating the role of an immune-modulatory receptor in mediating immune homeostasis using various animal models of autoinflammation. They identified molecular signaling partners for the receptor protein to understand its functional regulation.

Most recently, Na Cai joined CytomX Therapeutics in 2020. They started as a Scientist I and later transitioned to the role of Scientist II in April 2022. Further details about their work at CytomX Therapeutics are not provided.

Na Cai, PhD has a strong educational background in the field of biomedical sciences. From 2008 to 2011, Na Cai attended The University of Queensland, where they obtained a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with a focus on Physiology and Pharmacology. Following this, Na Cai pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Rutgers University from 2012 to 2018, specializing in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology.

In addition to their formal education, Na Cai has also obtained certifications to enhance their skills and broaden their career opportunities. In December 2016, they completed the iJOBS Interdisciplinary Job Opportunities for Biomedical Scientists program offered by the Rutgers iJOBS Program. Furthermore, in March 2015, Na Cai participated in the SciPhd: Leadership and Business Skills for Scientists Workshop, also provided by the Rutgers iJOBS Program.