Job Description
Job Title:  Research Assistant (Cancer Science Institute, N2CR)
Posting Start Date:  11/08/2025
Job Description: 

Long Description

We are seeking a highly driven and adaptable Research Assistant to join the NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR). This role is ideal for motivated histopathology technicians or researchers passionate about delivering high-quality histopathology research resources to support impactful cancer research.

Key Responsibilities

A. Collection of Research Blocks

  • Liaise with NCABS Clinical Research Coordinators (CRC), tumour board leaders, sub-specialty Pathologists, Tissue Repository (TR) staff, and Pathology diagnostic lab staff to identify suitable consented cases.
  • Verify consent status and retrieve sample accession numbers using Pathology systems (EPICS, REDCAP).
  • Work with N2CR Research Pathologist to collect research blocks, assist in tissue processing, sectioning, and staining for quality control before inventory and TR storage.

B. Construction of Tissue Microarrays (TMAs)

  • Use search systems (e.g., ePAS) to identify cases for TMA construction.
  • Support sub-specialty pathologists in generating case lists, retrieving blocks and slides, and preparing new sections when required.
  • Maintain updated records of TMA construction requests.

C. Curation of TMA Blocks & Clinical Data

  • Retrieve relevant clinical data from REDCAP for legacy tissue TMAs.
  • Collaborate with NCIS/NCABS data teams for TMAs from NCABS-consented tissues.
  • Coordinate with Principal Investigators (PIs) for TMAs linked to PI-specific study protocols.

D. Other Technical Services

  • Provide histological services (e.g., microtomy, staining) to N2CR members when needed.
  • Facilitate consent and prospective sample collection for biopsy, organoid, and PDX development, including serial or longitudinal samples.
  • Perform other ad-hoc laboratory and technical duties as assigned 

Qualifications

  • Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Life Sciences, or related discipline.
  • Experience in histopathology, tissue handling, or TMA construction is an advantage.
  • Proficiency with pathology information systems (EPICS, REDCAP, ePAS) preferred.
  • Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
  • Good interpersonal skills for liaising with multiple stakeholders.
  • Commitment to research ethics and safety standards.