Research Assistant (OR/CCB/JB)

Job Description

The Translational Systems Immunobiology group and laboratory led by Assoc Prof. Jacques Behmoaras is looking for wet-lab Research Assistants (2 positions available), who have experience in working with pre-clinical model systems, undertaking cutting-edge high-throughput assays and performing molecular and cellular experiments. 

The group’s main research focuses on understanding and targeting gene networks that control macrophage biology in metabolic disease, ageing and chronic kidney disease.  This system-level approach to target macrophage activation is expected to achieve timely and impactful translation and acceleration towards drug discovery. For more information, please visit: https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/cvmd/the-team/primary-appointment/Detail/jacques-behmoaras 

The candidate will be part of highly synergistic, interactive and collaborative team which benefits from computational and wet-lab skills at Duke NUS. The selected candidate will provide expertise in conducting research activities within the overall scope of the research project under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or his designate, including but not limited to the following. 

• Experience in cell/tissue preparation for high-throughput techniques such as multiplexed scRNA-seq, CyTOF and spatial transcriptomics, including a good understanding of the sample preparation and the workflows required by different omics. 
• Maintenance of animal colonies, including breeding and record keeping. A willingness to learn models of chronic kidney disease, and/or obesity and ageing combined with good organization skills in terms of preparing and planning in vivo experiments. 
• 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 which includes:  
  • 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.
• Work in synergy with computational scientists and Research Fellows to have a generalized view of the progress in projects (participate in lab meetings and technical workshops if needed). This also includes national and international collaborative efforts (communicate and share technical and scientific expertise with peers worldwide).
• 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 preferable. Specific skills for pre-clinical models are welcomed but are not mandatory (training shall be provided if required).
• Scientific background relevant to the research area and laboratory experimental skills, where applicable. Enthusiastic behaviour toward learning and self-instructing will be appreciated and valued. 
• Integration (where applicable) of wet-lab techniques with high-throughput technologies such as transcriptomics or proteomics.
• A strong team player who can prioritise, multi-task and work collaboratively in a diverse workforce.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. 

More Information

Location: Outram Campus

Organization: Duke-NUS Medical School

Department : Office of Research

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 24989