Job Description

The CRISPR and gene editing research group in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore is seeking a highly organized and proactive Research Assistant to oversee day-to-day laboratory operations. This role is mainly management- and coordination-focused and is central to ensuring that the lab runs safely, smoothly, and efficiently. The successful candidate will be the key point person for internal lab affairs, safety and compliance, purchasing and inventory, administration, and light outreach.

Key Responsibilities

1. Laboratory Operations & Internal Coordination

• Maintain daily lab order and shared spaces; coordinate relationships and communication within the group and with neighbouring labs; enforce lab rules and SOPs.

2. Procurement, Inventory & Finances

• Handle quotations and purchases of instruments, reagents and consumables; maintain accurate online inventory and usage records; prepare simple monthly consumption/expense summaries and update the PI regularly on financial status.

3. Safety Management

• Oversee day-to-day safety practices; ensure proper storage, labelling and disposal of materials; support safety documentation and onboarding; work with the PI and safety officers to ensure compliance.

4. Outreach, seminars & external coordination

• Assist with 4–5 seminars or similar events per year, including contacting speakers, scheduling and basic publicity; liaise professionally with administrative staff, vendors, collaborators and neighbouring research groups.

5. Reporting & communication

• Provide a brief (≤10 min) operations update at monthly group meetings on safety, inventory, personnel and upcoming plans; keep clear communication with the PI and lab members on policies, deadlines and lab matters.

6. Other Administrative & Miscellaneous Support

• Coordinate reimbursements, shipments, equipment servicing, asset records, onboarding/offboarding and basic conference/travel arrangements; perform any other duties related to lab operations, administration, safety or outreach as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related discipline is preferred; candidates with strong administrative and lab-management experience will also be considered

Experience:

• Working in a wet-lab research environment (academic or industry) is highly advantageous.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; comfortable maintaining structured online records and spreadsheets.
• Good understanding of basic laboratory safety principles; prior safety or lab-management experience is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to coordinate between different lab members and enforce rules in a firm but respectful manner.
• Comfortable interacting with vendors, administrative offices, and external collaborators.
• Proficiency with common office software and online tools (e.g. Excel/Google Sheets, email, basic shared drives).
• Responsible, reliable, and able to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the PI.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Science

Department : Biological Sciences

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 30944