National Sun Yat-sen University

Targeted gene-drug delivery Lab

Zi-Xian Liao
https://imst.nsysu.edu.tw/p/404-1333-344826.php?Lang=zh-tw#hide2

Research Field

Medicine

Introduction

Dr. Zi-Xian currently serves as a Professor at the Institute of Medical Science and Technology at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) in Taiwan. Recognized for her academic excellence and innovative research, she is a recipient of several prestigious accolades, including the NSYSU Young Scholar Award and the Distinguished Young Scholar Award. Dr. Zi-Xian’s primary research investigates the intersection of materials science and oncology, focusing on the development of advanced biomaterials for targeted drug and gene delivery, as well as virotherapy. Her ultimate objective is to engineer smart, stimuli-responsive carrier systems that significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy and precision in cancer treatments, paving the way for next-generation oncological care.

Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing the frontier of oncology by engineering innovative therapeutic platforms and investigating the fundamental mechanisms of cancer survival. By exploring the complex interplay between tumor microenvironments, cellular metabolism, and immune responses, we aim to develop highly specific and effective treatments that overcome current clinical challenges, such as drug resistance and immunosuppression.


Research Topics
  • Targeted Gene and Drug Delivery Systems
  • EGFR Mutations and Drug Resistance in NSCLC
  • Cancer Cell Metabolism
  • Tumor Immunotherapy and Macrophage Repolarization

 


Honor

2023: National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Ta-You Wu Memorial Award

2023–2025: National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) Appointed Young Scholar

2023–2025: NSTC Department of Life Sciences – Excellent Young Scholar Research Grant

2022–2024: NSTC Department of Engineering and Technologies – Excellent Young Scholar Research Grant

2019–2022: NSTC Department of Life Sciences – Excellent Young Scholar Research Grant

2019–2022: NSTC Department of Engineering and Technologies – Excellent Young Scholar Research Grant

2019–2023: NSYSU Outstanding Academic Research Faculty Award

2020: Taiwan Comprehensive University System (TCUS) Young Scholar Innovation Award – Excellence Award

2018: NSYSU Distinguished Young Scholar Award

2017: NSYSU Young Scholar Award

2016–2018: NSTC Department of Engineering and Technologies – Excellent Young Scholar Research Grant

2016–2018: NSTC Department of Life Sciences – Excellent Young Scholar Research Grant

2022: NSYSU Outstanding Teaching Course – Fundamentals of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Microscopic Imaging Techniques

2015–2021: NSYSU Outstanding Teaching Course – Fundamentals of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Drug Delivery

2022: NSYSU Outstanding Teaching Course – Seminar (I)

2016: NSYSU Outstanding Teaching Course – Introduction to Medical Technology

2016: NSYSU College of Science – Outstanding Mentor Award

2014–2016: NSYSU Faculty Academic Publication Award

2014–2016: NSYSU New Faculty Award


Educational Background

• 2013 Ph.D., Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan
• 2009 M.S., Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan
• 2007 B.S., Department of Agronomy, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan


Job Description

The intern will perform basic molecular biology assays, help synthesize immunotargeted nanoparticles, and assess their delivery efficiency. Working alongside our lab team, you will analyze data, refine pH-responsive and degradable delivery platforms, and present your research outcomes.

Preferred Intern Educational Level

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Master’s program in Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.

Skill sets or Qualities

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a dedicated interest in the fields of nanomedicine and targeted delivery systems. Preferred qualifications include practical laboratory experience in molecular biology or the synthesis of nanomaterials. Furthermore, effective English communication skills are a prerequisite for successful integration and collaboration within our dynamic research group.

Internship-related fee required by the school/institution

Interns who conduct their internship on campus must apply as visiting students at least 1 month before their arrival. They are required to pay the fees listed on this page 

<https://oia.nsysu.edu.tw/p/412-1308-20683.php?Lang=en> 

 and complete registration/leaving procedures. Please note that NSYSU does not provide on-campus housing for visiting students. Interns will have to look for off-campus housing by themselves. Off-campus housing resources can be found on this page

<https://oia.nsysu.edu.tw/p/412-1308-20683.php?Lang=en>