Job Description

We are seeking to recruit a proactive and motivated research assistant to join the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at the National University of Singapore (NUS) launched on 5 September 2024, the first of its kind in Asia to advance research in alternative proteins. Led by experts from NUS and research institutes in Singapore, the Centre aims to drive global food security and accelerate regional innovation. The focus will be on microalgae research and biomass fermentation, to produce high-quality, affordable, and sustainable microbial proteins from microalgae and biomass fermentation that can be further developed into cultured meat and plant-based protein hybrids. Microbial proteins will be cultivated through fermentation and processed using emerging bio-physical techniques for effective biotransformation, to improve digestibility, flavour, and nutritional profile. The research will also investigate methods to scale up the production of alternative protein products. More information about the centre can be found here: https://www.fst.nus.edu.sg/bezoscentre/.

As a research assistant, you will assist with conducting and monitoring microalgal cultivation bioprocesses via analytical techniques to achieve maximal product titres, yields, and rates. You will also assist with processing the microbial proteins for optimal digestibility, flavour, and nutritional profiles. The candidate will work closely with postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers. Appointments will be initially made on a 1-year contract, renewable for up to 5 years. 

Responsibilities:
- Conduct research activities in accordance with the Centre objectives involving but not limited to: 
i. Conversion of industrial food side-streams into media suitable for microalgae cultivation.
ii. Microalgae cultivations in flask and benchtop bioreactors under batch, fed batch, or continuous modes. 
iii. Conduct chromatographic, spectroscopic, and fluorescent analyses to monitor microalgae growth.  
iv. Monitor the success of bio-physical techniques via in vitro digestibility studies, chromatography, and advanced microscopic analyses. 
v. Assist in scaling up cultivations to pilot scale setting.
- Assist in data analysis and preparing formal reports, publications, and presentations.
- Perform general lab housekeeping and maintain safety documentation.  
- Coordinate procurement and liaison with vendors/suppliers. 
- Ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance. 
- Remain updated on current scientific literature related to microbial foods. 
- Other duties as required.

Applications: 
Please include the cover letter, CV (including personal particulars, academic and employment history), academic transcripts, university certificate, and the contact information of 3 referees in your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. 

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in food science, bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, microbiology, or a related discipline.  
- Knowledge in any of the following areas will be advantageous: single-cell biomass cultivation, chromatographic analytical methods, flow cytometry, upcycling of food side-streams, bioreactor or fermenter operation, qPCR, design of experiments, in vitro digestibility studies, single-cell downstream processing. 
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills to engage within a culturally diverse and cross-disciplinary team. 
- Proactive, with the ability to conduct experiments independently. 
- Highly motivated in developing sustainable and novel foods.
- Excellent problem solving and analytical skills. 
- Meticulous, well-organised, and detail oriented. 
 

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Science

Department : Food Science & Technology

Job requisition ID : 27115