Open to opportunities

James Lyu

@jameslyu

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I develop bacteria-mediated cancer therapeutics using analytical chemistry, bioconjugation, and preclinical models.

Zimbabwe

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What I'm looking for

I'm seeking opportunities to develop and evaluate cancer therapeutics through analytical chemistry, chemical biology, bioconjugation, and preclinical research while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

At Baylor University, I establish research workflows, procure instrumentation, mentor graduate students, and advance preclinical research on bacteria-mediated cancer therapeutics.

I design fluorescent probes, bioconjugation linkers, and bacteria-mediated drug conjugates, then develop quantitative HPLC-, ELISA-, and fluorescence-based methods to evaluate drug conjugation, release kinetics, and therapeutic performance.

My doctoral work at Indiana University explored attenuated Listeria monocytogenes as a tumor-specific delivery vector for cancer therapeutics. This work contributed to a Cell Chemical Biology publication on cytotoxin delivery in colorectal cancer and a patent-pending drug-delivery platform.

I've also taught chemistry laboratories, mentored students, and supported clinical operations across infusion, pulmonology and infectious diseases, and hospice settings.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Current

Baylor University

Jun 2025 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Establishing a new research laboratory by developing workflows, procuring instrumentation, and mentoring graduate students. Designing and evaluating bacteria-mediated cancer therapeutics through synthesis of fluorescent probes and bioconjugation linkers, and developing quantitative analytical methods.

Mammalian Cell Culture Mentor

Research Assistant/Associate Instructor

Indiana University Bloomington

Aug 2020 - May 2025 (4 years 9 months)

Designed and synthesized fluorescent probes, bioconjugation linkers, and bacteria-mediated drug conjugates while developing analytical methods to evaluate therapeutic performance. Mentored students and taught undergraduate and graduate chemistry laboratories.

Spectrofluorometry Mammalian Cell Culture Teaching Mentor

Volunteer

Indiana University Health System

Jun 2023 - Aug 2024 (1 year 2 months)

Supported clinical operations across the Infusion Center, Pulmonology & Infectious Diseases Department, and the Hospice House by assisting healthcare professionals, patients, and visitors in fast-paced clinical settings. Enhanced patient experience through compassionate support and effective communication.

Patient Care Clinical Support

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Indiana University Bloomington

Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry

2020 - 2025

Grade: 3.987/4.000

Activities and societies: Advisory committee: Prof. Michael S. VanNieuwenhze (PI), Prof. J. P. Gerdt, Prof. Stephen Jacobson, and Prof. Nicola Pohl.

Ph.D. in Chemistry with a major in Analytical and minor in Chemical Biology. Thesis focused on exploring attenuated Listeria monocytogenes as a cancer therapeutics delivery vector.

Geneva College

Bachelor of Science, Chemistry

2016 - 2019

Grade: 3.89/4.00

Activities and societies: Research topics: Synthesis and analysis of biodiesel (Professor John Stahl); quantitative analysis of tri-substituted halo-methane in drinking water (Professor Rodney Austin).

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ACS Certified) with minors in Physics and Mathematics. Graduated Summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.89/4.00.