Research Assistant (CCB/EP)

Job Description

The Systems Genetics group and laboratory led by Assoc. Prof. Enrico Petretto is embedded within the Duke-NUS Centre for Computational Biology. The lab has substantial expertise in Systems Biology analysis of various -omics and next-generation sequencing data, and a substantial computational infrastructure to support next-generation sequencing and Big Data analysis. The research focuses on the genetic regulation of complex diseases, including fibrotic heart disease, or kidney disease. For more information, please visit: https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/cvmd/the-team/primary-appointment/Detail/petretto-enrico-giuseppe 

Selected papers published by the group: 

• WWP2 regulates pathological cardiac fibrosis by modulating SMAD2 signaling (Nature Communications 2019)
• The E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 regulates pro-fibrogenic monocyte infiltration and activity in heart fibrosis (Nature Communications 2022)

We are looking for a wet-lab Research Assistant, who has experience in working with mice models and performing molecular and cellular experiments to study cardio/pulmonary/kidney and immune-fibrotic traits, with the aim of deciphering the primary genetic factors and regulatory networks underlying cardio-metabolic diseases. The position will be for a period of 2 years, with possibility of renewal depending on the candidate’s work performance and contribution to the project . 

The selected candidate will provide expertise in conducting research activities within the overall scope of the research project, including but not limited to the following:

• Maintain animal colonies, breeding, preparing animals for surgery or intravenous injection, obtaining samples and measurements, administering medicine and monitoring the animal’s environment (i.e. mice cages).
• Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including histology procedures, cell/tissue culture, PCR and western blotting.
• Prepare reagents/buffers/solutions/culture medium required for the experiments.
• Contribute to experiment management (including but not limited to planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies). 
• Accurate documentation (i.e. lab log book/notes), reporting and monitoring of experimental results and research findings
• Evaluate and interpret collected research data / findings and make appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
• Prepare oral presentations or written reports/scientific manuscripts.
• Contribute to laboratory management (including maintaining lab registries, inventories, safety and ethics, procurement of lab materials and consumables, maintenance of lab equipment) to ensure optimal day to day lab operations.  
• Provide guidance to junior researchers as well as undergraduate and graduate students, and occasional educational/instructional activities.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree in a related scientific area (e.g. Life Sciences/Biomedical Sciences) with at least 2 years of relevant work experience. 
• Demonstrated laboratory skills and expertise, in supporting various research activities.
• Experience in animal work (animal handling and maintenance), in particular rodents is mandatory.
• Knowledge of scientific background relevant to the research area.
• Strong team player who is able to prioritise, multi-task and work collaboratively/harmoniously in a diverse workforce. 
• Excellent command of English and communication skills.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. 

Covid-19 Message

At NUS, the health and safety of our staff and students are one of our utmost priorities, and COVID-vaccination supports our commitment to ensure the safety of our community and to make NUS as safe and welcoming as possible. Many of our roles require a significant amount of physical interactions with students/staff/public members. Even for job roles that may be performed remotely, there will be instances where on-campus presence is required.

Taking into consideration the health and well-being of our staff and students and to better protect everyone in the campus, applicants are strongly encouraged to have themselves fully COVID-19 vaccinated to secure successful employment with NUS.

More Information

Location: Outram Campus

Organization: Duke-NUS Medical School

Department : Office of Research

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 19044