Job Description

The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading multi-disciplinary institute devoted to developing new paradigms for understanding biological functions in health and diseases from the perspective of cell, tissue and organ mechanics/dynamics and mechano-signal transduction. The institute operates on a fully integrated open-lab philosophy, with an extensive infrastructure supported by core facilities dedicated to technology such as state-of-the-art light microscopy, nano- and micro- fabrication, and computing.

The Confinement Mechanobiology Lab at NUS is seeking a Research Assistant to join the lab from 30 November 2026. The primary responsibility of this position will be the fabrication and production of the lab’s established microfluidic platforms, including our standard PDMS microchannel devices for cell confinement studies and our high throughput KLP confinement platform. The selected candidate will help to ensure a reliable supply of high quality devices for multiple ongoing projects within the lab and with collaborators. Specifically, the position will involve:

• Fabrication of PDMS microchannel devices using established lab protocols
• Production and assembly of KLP confinement devices
• Routine quality control and troubleshooting of fabricated devices
• Maintenance of fabrication stocks, molds, reagents, and consumables
• Coordination with lab members to meet experimental device requirements and production schedules
• Documentation and continued optimization of fabrication and quality control procedures
• Potential involvement in cell culture, microscopy, and mechanobiology experiments depending on experience and interest

Qualifications

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, life sciences, or a related field. Previous experience with microfluidics, PDMS fabrication, soft lithography, microscopy, or cell culture would be advantageous, but candidates with strong experimental skills and an interest in learning these techniques are also encouraged to apply. 

We are particularly looking for someone who is careful, organized, reliable, and comfortable carrying out reproducible experimental procedures. As these devices support several projects across the laboratory, consistency and attention to detail will be important parts of the role.

The position will be based in the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, with a preferred start date of 30 November 2026. Interested candidates should upload their CV with their online application and send a short description of their research or technical experience to Asst. Prof. Andrew Holle at bieawh@nus.edu.sg. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.