Job Description

The Research Assistant will work under Professor Lee Soo Chin’s laboratory, supporting translational and clinical research in breast cancer, with a focus on novel therapeutics, biomarker discovery, and pharmacogenetics. The role will contribute to ongoing studies involving targeted therapies, functional genomics, spatial genomics, and investigation of inter-ethnic differences in drug response.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Laboratory & Experimental Work

• Perform molecular biology and cell biology experiments, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, western blot and cell culture.
• Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting analysis (flow cytometry)
• Conduct drug response assays involving targeted therapies (e.g., kinase inhibitors, endocrine therapies).

2. Clinical & Translational Research Support

• Assist in the coordination and execution of clinical research studies and trials (e.g., biomarker-driven therapeutic studies).
• Process and manage patient-derived samples, including blood and tumor specimens.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines.

3. Data Management & Analysis

• Record, organize, and maintain accurate experimental and clinical data.
• Perform basic data analysis and assist in interpretation of results, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic data.
• Support preparation of reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

4. Research Operations & Collaboration

• Maintain laboratory inventory, reagents, and equipment.
• Work closely with clinicians, scientists, and external collaborators on multidisciplinary projects.
• Assist in general lab administration and safety compliance.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field.

Experience

• Prior laboratory experience in molecular biology, cancer biology, or related research is preferred.
• Exposure to clinical research or translational studies will be an advantage.
• Animal work experience is a plus but not required.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of molecular techniques (PCR, sequencing, western blot, cell culture).
• Familiarity with biomarker research, liquid biopsy, or pharmacogenetics is a plus.
• Basic data analysis skills (e.g., Excel, GraphPad, image analysis or statistical tools).

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Good communication skills for scientific documentation and coordination.