Mohammed Zubair Khidr Mohammed
Scarborough,Canada
Summary
Results-driven Research Scientist and Medical Doctor with a unique blend of clinical expertise and scientific acumen. Proven track record of excellence at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, where I successfully integrated my medical knowledge of cancer biology and pharmacology into innovative research designs, driving breakthroughs in cancer drug discovery and target validation. Skilled in analyzing complex data, conducting thorough literature reviews, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify preclinical candidates, leveraging exceptional interpersonal communication and adaptability to drive success in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Scientist
Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
Toronto, ON
06.2014 - Current
- As a cancer drug discovery team scientist, I contribute to developing innovative cancer therapies. My key responsibilities include:
• Conducting in-depth scientific literature reviews to identify potential cancer drug targets.
• Collaborating with the biology team to discuss and refine target selection.
• Performing target validations and producing high-quality target cancer proteins for chemical library screening.
Our ultimate goal is to develop lead-candidate compounds that target essential proteins for cancer cell survival. I'm proud to say that, as of 2024, we've successfully identified two preclinical candidates that will enter clinical trials.
Family Medicine Intern
St John's Episcopal Hospital-South ShoreSt John's Episcopal Hospital-South Shore
Far Rockaway, NY
07.2024 - 08.2024
- I completed a month-long rotation with Dr. Richard Stewart III, focusing on the transformative power of lifestyle modifications in achieving optimal patient health. Key takeaways from this invaluable experience included the crucial role of lifestyle changes in preventing disease and mitigating complications and the practical strategies for encouraging patients to adopt positive habits, such as regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and balanced dietary practices. Also, provided guidance on counseling patients to avoid detrimental habits, including smoking cessation and addiction prevention and management. This rotation deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of lifestyle choices and overall well-being.
Internal Medicine Intern
Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Cancer Center
Houston, TX
07.2023 - 08.2023
- I attended an internal medicine- Hematology-Oncology rotation with Dr. Amit K Correa. This rotation included intensive learning opportunities
focusing on hematological disorders, including hematology malignancies. It consisted of a three-day-per-week training that included exposure to different hematological cases that were presented and discussed. As part of this rotation, there was a daily presentation of hematology cases, asking all rotating doctors about the differential diagnosis, reviewing hematological lab work, reviewing imaging and histopathology results, and discussing the best next steps in management. There was a great emphasis on critical thinking, literature reviews and discussing the best up-to date treatment protocols.
Internal Medicine Intern
Hackensack Meridian Health-Palisades Medical Center
North Bergen, NJ
07.2023 - 07.2023
- I participated in an internal medicine rotation led by Dr. Adam Atoot and his resident team. This experience featured daily sessions, where we reviewed 30-50 medical cases weekly, fostering in-depth discussions and critical thinking. Key highlights of the rotation included:
- Engaging in dynamic question-and-answer sessions with attending physicians, residents, and peers to refine diagnostic skills and management strategies
- Conducting literature reviews to stay current with the latest treatment protocols and guidelines
- Developing expertise in analyzing imaging results and EKG strips through interactive discussions
This rotation enhanced my internal medicine knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Family Medicine Intern
Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital Primary Care
Detroit, MI
06.2023 - 07.2023
- This family medicine rotation allowed me to interact with patients through video calls. Patients came to the clinic for various medical issues ranging from routine annual checkups, throat infections, obesity, and substance use disorders to chronic medical problems like hypertension, DM and heart diseases. I updated the EMR with the new patients' complaints, past medical history, and medication intake and checked their lab work and imaging reports. After reviewing all the recent results and updating the EMR, I presented the cases to the attending doctor, including the suggested treatment options. Once approved, I would record the proposed treatment and follow-up appointments in the EMR and review them with the patient.
Volunteer
Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
Toronto, ON, Canada
09.2014 - 09.2019
- I supported the planning and execution of the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research’s Terry-Fox Run and Terry-Fox Hairdo (where participants can
shave their hair off, try their hand at a bit of waxing, a new colour or with colourful hair extensions or a wacky wig,,), which are annual,
non-competitive charity events the organization holds to raise money for cancer research. This work required building relationships with community stakeholders, business owners, and organizations and communicating with local newspapers and businesses to advertise upcoming events and raise awareness for cancer research. Our work helped raise $100K for cancer research over the past nine years.
Unemployed
Toronto
Toronto, On, Canada
03.2014 - 05.2014
- I immigrated to Canada and I started Pursuing Jobs in Drug Discovery Industry.
General Practitioner/Primary Care Physician
Iraqi Ministry of Health
Erbil, Iraq
06.2013 - 02.2014
- I served as a General Practitioner in Soran, a rural town 100 km east of Erbil, Iraq, providing essential healthcare services to the local community. As part of a dedicated team, I delivered preventive care and health promotion, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for various medical conditions, and quality care to villagers and farmers, addressing their unique healthcare needs. This experience allowed me to develop strong relationships with patients and their families. Working in this rural setting deepened my understanding of community healthcare and fueled my passion for delivering quality care to underserved populations.
University Lecturer
Iraqi Ministry of higher education and Scientific Research
Baghdad, Iraq
02.2012 - 06.2013
- Involved in the research and design of new courses and materials.
Assessing students in coursework and material. - Involved in the setup of exams and the marking of results.
Responsible for the departmental administrative tasks. - Providing mentoring, advice, and support to students on a personal level.
- Implementing university research projects and being involved in their publication.
- Carrying out staff appraisals.
- Prepared monthly reports for senior managers.
Actively leading class discussions and encouraging debate.
Ph.D. Candidate and Postdoc Fellow
University of Nottingham, School of Molecular Medical Science
Nottingham, United Kingdom
09.2007 - 01.2012
- My Ph.D. in translational research involved studying basic cellular science to help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis identification of patients with cancer. This work helped me understand lab work in improving human health. As part of my research, I received intensive training in tissue culture, using supercomputer technology to design drug-like compound templates, performing binding simulations for the templates designed for cancer proteins, and predicting binding affinity. As a Ph.D. candidate, I participated in cancer conferences, workshops, and symposia. The focus of this Ph.D. work identified DNA repair pathway inhibitors that can overcome cancer resistance to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents.
Resident Doctor
Al-Mustansiriya and Al-Alusi Private Hospitals
Baghdad, Iraq
12.2003 - 08.2007
- I worked as a part-time resident doctor at Al-Mustansiriya Private Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. This hospital provided services to patients who needed elective surgical procedures, such as tonsillectomies, thyroidectomies, cholecystectomies, mastectomies, and some orthopedic surgeries. My duties included performing presurgical clinical evaluations of admitted patients by ordering and executing various tests, analyzing test results and diagnostic images to assess the patient's condition, reviewing patient allergies, problems, medications, and immunization statuses, and preparing notes for the surgical team. In addition, I monitored the patient's recovery, wrote discharge notes, wrote prescriptions, and educated patients on at-home recovery.
MSc Student
College of Medicine, University of Baghdad
Baghdad, Iraq
10.2002 - 03.2005
- I pursued a Master's degree in Clinical Biochemistry, where I received one academic year of taught courses followed by a year of conducting research. I successfully obtained the MSc degree in Mar 2005
Junior Resident Doctor
Iraqi Ministry of Health
Baghdad, Iraq
10.2000 - 10.2002
- I finished a 2-year internship rotating at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and
Pediatrics. My work experience includes participation in the clinical evaluation and care of patients in various patient care settings with sufficient frequency to achieve the competencies required, under the supervision of the attending staff. As a resident doctor, I wrote orders and progress notes in patient charts under the guidance of my attending physicians. I performed procedures ordered by a specialist doctor caring for the patients under the direct supervision of my attending physician. I assumed progressive responsibility for patient care activities according to my education and experience.
Education
Ph.D. - Biomedical Science; Medicine; Molecular Biology
Molecular Medical School, University of Nottingham
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK09-2011
Master of Science - Clinical Biochemistry
College of Medicine, University of Baghdad
Baghdad, Iraq03-2005
M.B.Ch.B - Medicine
College of Medicine, University of Baghdad
Baghdad, Iraq06-2000
Skills
- Literature review
- Cancer research
- Data analysis
- Target validation
- Clinical trials
- Patient management
- Adaptability
- Team support
- MS office
- Safety procedures
- Attention to detail
- Conflict resolution
- Self motivation
- Interpersonal communication
- Time management
Affiliations
- I enjoy watching science documentaries, particularly those about animal behaviour and astronomy. I also enjoy following professional soccer teams,
mainly English teams, that compete in the Premier League. Besides, I lead an active lifestyle, so I hike in nature and regularly workout to remain fit.
Accomplishments
- Best oral presentation at the Postgraduate day Academic Excellence - 1st prize for the oral presentation, Molecular Medical School, Nottingham, UK
Received: Jun, 2010 - Obtained my Master of Science degree (M.Sc.) with High Distinction: Academic Excellence - Graduated at the top of my class (Class of 2005) with an outstanding average score of 89% Received: Mar, 2005
- Travel prize Scholarship - Travel prize at the Graduate School, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK (July 2010)
Certification
- Member of the Iraqi Medical Association
- Member of the European Association for Cancer Research
Languages
English
Full Professional
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Publications
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles/Abstracts
Bteich J, Ernsting MJ, Mohammed M, Kiyota T, McKee TD , Trikha M, Lowman HB, Sokol KK. Nanoparticle Formulation Derived
from Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Polyethylene Glycol, and Cabazitaxel for Chemotherapy Delivery to the Brain. Bioconjugate
Chemistry. May 2018; 29(6):2009-2020.
Article URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00220
Li AS, Kimani S, Wilson B, Noureldin M, González-Álvarez H, Mamai A, Hoffer L, Guilinger JP, Zhang Y, Rechenberg M, Disch JS,
Mulhern C, Slakman B, Cuozzo J, Dong A, Poda G, Mohammed M, Saraon P, Mittal M, Modh P, Rathod V, Patel B, Ackloo S.
Discovery of Nanomolar DCAF1 Small Molecule Ligands. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. March 2023; 66(7):5041-5060. Article URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02132
Al-Attar A, Gossage L, Fareed KR , Shehata M, Mohammed M, Zaitoun AM, Soomro I, Lobo DN, Abbotts R, Chan S, Madhusudan S.
Human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) is a prognostic factor in ovarian, gastro-oesophageal and pancreatico-biliary
cancers. Nature Publishing Group. February 2010; 102(4):704-709.
Article URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/6605541
Bteich J, Hoang B, Undzys E, Mohammed M, Su AL, Ou K, Emerson D, Sokoll K, Li S, Trikha M, Lowman H, Ernsting MJ. A
production-scalable cabazitaxel cellulose nanoparticle exhibits significant efficacy in a bone model of docetaxel-resistant prostate
cancer. Cancer Research. July 2016; 76(14_Supplement):1342-1342.
Article URL: https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.AM2016-1342 Split-Screen
Bteich J, McManus SA, Ernsting MJ, Mohammed MZ, Prud’homme RK, Sokoll KK. Using Flash Nanoprecipitation To Produce
Highly Potent and Stable Cellax Nanoparticles from Amphiphilic Polymers Derived from Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Polyethylene
Glycol, and Cabazitaxel . Molecular pharmaceutics. November 2017; 14(11):3998-4007.
Article URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00670
Ferguson P, Vincent MD, Najajreh Y, Shilton B, Ritter S, Al-awar R, Marcellus R, Mohammed M, Isaac M, Koropatnnick J.
Antiproliferative activity of inhibitors of RAD51, singly and in combination with chemotherapy drugs, against pancreatic cancer cell
lines.. CANCER RESEARCH. November 2021; 81(22):27-28.
Ferguson PJ, Vincent MD, Najajreh Y, Shilton B, Ritter S, Al-awar R, Marcellus R, Mohammed M, Isaac M, Koropatnick J.
Synergistic antiproliferative activity of novel RAD51 inhibitor JKYN-1 and its mesylate salt with standard-of-care cancer drugs. Cance
r Research. June 2022; 82(12_Supplement):346-346.
Article URL: https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.AM2022-346
Gossage L, Mohammed M, Madhusudan S. Clinical implications of DNA repair genetic alterations in cancer. memo-Magazine of
European Medical Oncology. March 2009; 2(1):15-19.
Mamai A, Chau A, Wilson B, Watson I, Joseph B, Subramanian P, Morshed M, Morin J, Prakesch M, Lu T, Connolly P, Kuntz D,
Pomroy N, Poda G, Nguyen K, Marcellus R, Strathdee G, Theriault B, Subramaniam R, Mohammed M, Abibi A, Chan M, Winston J,
Kiyota T, . Discovery of OICR12694: A Novel, Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable BCL6 BTB Inhibitor. ACS Medicinal
Chemistry Letters. January 2023; 14(2):99-210.
Article URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00502
Mohammed MZ, Vyjayanti VN, Laughton CA, Dekker LV, Fischer PM, Wilson DM, Abbotts R, Shah S, Patel PM, Hickson ID,
Madhusudan S. Development and evaluation of human AP endonuclease inhibitors in melanoma and glioma cell lines. British journal
of cancer. February 2011; 104(4):653-663.
Article URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/6606058
Saraon P, Snider J, Schormann W, Rai A, Radulovich N, Sánchez-Osuna M, Coulombe-Huntington J, Huard C, Mohammed M,
Lima-Fernandes E, Thériault B, Halabelian L, Chan M, Joshi D, Drecun L, Yao Z, Pathmanathan S, Wong V, Lyakisheva L,
Aboualizadeh F. Chemical Genetics Screen Identifies COPB2 Tool Compounds That Alters ER Stress Response and Induces RTK
Dysregulation in Lung Cancer Cells. Journal of Molecular Biology. November 2021; 433(23):167294.
Article URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022283621005313?via%3Dihub
Sultana R, McNeill D, Abbotts R, Mohammed M, Zdzienicka M, Qutob H, Seedhouse C, Laughton C, Fischer P, Patel P, Wilson III D,
Madhusudan S. Synthetic lethal targeting of DNA double-strand break repair deficient cells by human apurinic-apyrimidinic
endonuclease inhibitors. International journal of cancer. November 2012; 131(10):2433-2444.
Article URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.27512Article URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.27512
Peer Reviewed Book Chapter
Esqueda A, Mohammed MZ, Madhusudan S, Neamati N. Purification and Specific Assays for Measuring APE-1 Endonuclease
Activity. In: N Neamati, ed. Rational Drug Design . Humana Press; 2012:161-174.
Poster Presentation
Mohammed M, Laughton C, Dekker L, Fischer P, Abbotts R, Patel P, and Madhusudan S.. National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI),
Cancer Conference. Poster presented: ‘Development of Human Apurinic/Apyrmidinic Endonuclease 1 (APE1) inhibitors for cancer
therapy. Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland; 10/13/2009.
Mohammed MZ, Laughton C, Hickson ID, Madhusudan S . Annual Symposium of Biochemical society: DNA damage: from causes to
cures.. Poster presented: DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN APURINIC/APYRIMIDINIC ENDONUCLEASE 1 (APE1) INHIBITORS
FOR CANCER THERAPY. Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland; 12/08/2008.
Mohammed ZM, Vyjayanti V, Laughton CA, Dekker LV, Fischer PM, Wilson DM, Patel PM, Madhusudan S. AACR. Poster
presented: Structure-based design, discovery, and pharmacological profiling of human AP endonuclease (APE1) inhibitors for cancer
therapy. Washington DC, WA, United States of America; 04/17/2010.
Sultana R, Abbotts R, Mohammed MZ, Qutob H, Perry C, Zdzienicka MZ, Patel PM, Laughton CL, Dekker LV, Fischer PM,
Seedhouse C, Wilson III DM, Madhusudan S. National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI), Cancer Conference. Poster presented: Synth
etic lethal targeting of DNA double strand break repair deficient cells by human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonucleaase (APE1) inhibitors
. Liverpool , United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland; 11/06/2011.
Oral Presentation
Mohammed M, Laughton C, Dekker L, Fischer P, Abbotts R, Patel P, and Madhusudan S.. Development of Human
Apurinic/Apyrmidinic Endonuclease 1 (APE1) inhibitors for cancer therapy. Oral presentation: National Cancer Research Institute
(NCRI), Cancer Conference; 10/12/2009. Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland.
Peer Reviewed Online Publication
Vedadi M, Mabanglo M, Wilson B, Noureldin M, Kimani S, Mamai A, Krausser C, Alvarez HG, Srivastava S, Mohammed M, Chan
M, Hoffer L, Avrumutsoae J, Li A, Hajian T, Tucker S, Green S, Szewczyk M, Lovejoy DB, Santhakumar V, Ackloo S, Loppnau P, Li
Y, Seitova. (2024, June 03). Crystal structures of DCAF1-PROTAC-WDR5 ternary complexes provide insight into DCAF1 substrate
specificity. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4396276/v1
Publication Status: Published.
Non-Peer Reviewed Online Publication
Perveen S, Zepeda-Velázquez C, McLeod D, Marcellus R, Mohammed M, Abbey M, Ensan D, Panagopoulos D, Trush V, Gibson E,
Dong A, Halabelian L, Poda G, Owen J, Aman A, Kiyota T, Mamai A, Arrowsmith C, Brown P, Schapira M, Al-awar R, Vedadi M.
(2022, January 05). Discovery of small molecule antagonists of human Retinoblastoma Binding Protein 4 (RBBP4). https://doi.org/10.1
101/2022.01.05.475077
Other Articles
Mohammed ZM. Pre-clinical development of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) inhibitors for cancer therapy. Univers
ity of Nottingham. December 13, 2011.
Article URL: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/13980/
Timeline
Family Medicine Intern
St John's Episcopal Hospital-South ShoreSt John's Episcopal Hospital-South Shore
07.2024 - 08.2024
Internal Medicine Intern
Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Cancer Center
07.2023 - 08.2023
Internal Medicine Intern
Hackensack Meridian Health-Palisades Medical Center
07.2023 - 07.2023
Family Medicine Intern
Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital Primary Care
06.2023 - 07.2023
Volunteer
Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
09.2014 - 09.2019
Research Scientist
Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
06.2014 - Current
Unemployed
Toronto
03.2014 - 05.2014
General Practitioner/Primary Care Physician
Iraqi Ministry of Health
06.2013 - 02.2014
University Lecturer
Iraqi Ministry of higher education and Scientific Research
02.2012 - 06.2013
Ph.D. Candidate and Postdoc Fellow
University of Nottingham, School of Molecular Medical Science
09.2007 - 01.2012
Resident Doctor
Al-Mustansiriya and Al-Alusi Private Hospitals
12.2003 - 08.2007
MSc Student
College of Medicine, University of Baghdad
10.2002 - 03.2005
Junior Resident Doctor
Iraqi Ministry of Health
10.2000 - 10.2002
Ph.D. - Biomedical Science; Medicine; Molecular Biology
Molecular Medical School, University of Nottingham
Master of Science - Clinical Biochemistry
College of Medicine, University of Baghdad
M.B.Ch.B - Medicine
College of Medicine, University of Baghdad
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