Job Description

The Research Assistant will support the Principal Investigator and research team in executing research activities, managing laboratory operations, and ensuring compliance with safety and institutional standards. The role involves processing clinical samples, supporting experimental workflows, maintaining laboratory resources, and coordinating administrative and operational matters essential for the smooth running of the research lab.

1. Clinical Sample Handling and Processing

• Perform plasma extraction, PBMC isolation, and DNA extraction from patient-derived samples.
• Coordinate with vendors, clinical research coordinators, and collaborators for sample transfer, processing, and analysis.
• Maintain accurate sample tracking, labeling, and documentation in accordance with internal systems and protocols.
• Ensure adherence to biosafety, ethical, and BSL2 requirements for handling clinical materials.

2. Laboratory Operations and Procurement

• Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of laboratory spaces.
• Manage procurement processes, including sourcing, purchasing, and replenishment of laboratory consumables.
• Monitor stock levels and consumption rates of laboratory supplies.
• Conduct routine checks on laboratory equipment and report any maintenance needs.
• Update and track procurement and expenditure records in internal systems.
• Coordinate with vendors, finance personnel, and researchers on purchasing activities and grant-related utilisation.

3. Safety Compliance (Lab Safety Lead)

• Conduct and document internal safety audits, including quarterly inspections and follow-up actions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety audit checklists, and safety resource documentation.
• Liaise with institutional safety officers on audit matters, training requirements, and safety reporting.
• Provide safety training and onboarding for new laboratory members.

4. General Administrative Support

• Coordinate with internal departments on laboratory operations and administrative matters.
• Provide support to researchers in sample analysis, experimental setup, and routine laboratory workflows.
• Maintain accurate and updated records relating to inventory, procurement, safety audits, and sample processing.

Qualifications

Qualifications
•    Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.

Years of Experience
•    Minimum 1-3 years of relevant laboratory experience in a biomedical or cancer research setting.
•    Fresh graduates with relevant project or internship experience may be considered
•    Experience handling clinical or patient-derived samples will be an advantage.

Knowledge & Skills
•    Demonstrated knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques relevant to cancer research.
•    Hands-on experience in clinical sample processing, including plasma extraction, PBMC isolation, and DNA extraction.
•    Familiarity with BSL-2 laboratory practices, biosafety regulations, ethical requirements, and institutional compliance standards.
•    Experience in laboratory operations, including inventory management, procurement processes, equipment monitoring, and expenditure tracking.
•    Proven ability to manage laboratory safety responsibilities, including conducting safety audits, maintaining SOPs, and liaising with institutional safety offices.
•    Strong organisational and documentation skills, with attention to accuracy in sample tracking, inventory records, and safety documentation.