Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Assistant in the lab of Assistant Prof. Vincenzo Sorrentino, part of the Department of Biochemistry and of the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The Dept. of Biochemistry and the Healthy Longevity TRP, with their vanguard integrative research programs, and state-of-the-art facilities to promote basic, clinical and transformative research, aim at leading the field of prevention, early detection and precise management of diseases at every stage of life. By bridging preclinical and clinical research, a major focus of our research is to develop interventions to delay ageing and chronic disease onset, to improve life quality. Appointments will be on a 1-year contract in the first instance, with the possibility of extension. 

Purpose of the post
The Research Assistant (RA) will be responsible to, and work closely with, Assistant Prof. Vincenzo Sorrentino to provide support in research projects, lab management and procurement, operations and safety in Dr. Sorrentino’s laboratories. The RA is expected to facilitate team members’ onboarding and provide experimental support to the team.

Main duties and responsibilities
The RA is expected to:
1.    Manage laboratory operation and management in relation to creation, review and revision of risk assessment and SOPs, materials’ inventory, procurement, post-procurement processing, equipment maintenance, asset management, safety trainings, housekeeping of safety tools in Prof Sorrentino’s laboratory;
2.    Provide administrative and experimental support to the projects, such as collaborating with other members of the research team, arranging materials transfers with collaborators, and keep track of ordering materials needed and arranging lab duties for the different members; in particular, activities would include experimental validation using molecular biology, cell culture, enzymatic and metabolic assays for potential drug candidates emerging from a bioinformatics PhD project in the team. Therefore the RA is expected to closely support the PhD student in carrying the needed experimental activities.
3.    Execute on other tasks including facilitating lab visits, audit/inspections as delegated by the PI;
4.    Maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and record keeping in accordance with policies and procedures

Qualifications

The applicant should:

1. Have a first degree with good results or holds a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biochemistry or related disciplines;
2. Be passionate about lab safety, operations and management, self-motivated, naturally take ownership of assignments, and proactively propose solutions to arising obstacles;
3. Be able to work independently and in a team, have an investigative nature, attention to detail;
4. Have knowledge of computer applications, e.g. MS office, PowerPoint, GraphPad;
5. Experiences in preclinical areas of research, e.g. cell/tissue culture, model organisms experimental design and execution (rodents, nematodes), and in particular in molecular biology, mitochondrial and enzymatic assays, would be of great advantage

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Prof. Vincenzo Sorrentino, at vsorrent@nus.edu.sg

Formal application: Please submit your application of (1) letter of motivation describing the applicant’s relevant experience and interest in joining the lab; (2) full CV (up to two pages) including personal particulars, academic and employment history, complete list of publications/oral presentations, and contacts of 3 referees; (3) indication of current/expected salary, to this job portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.