Assistant Professor

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore seeks a dynamic leader to establish and grow an independent research programme in cancer biology. You will oversee translational efforts, mentor junior researchers, and build collaborations with clinicians, industry partners, and international labs to accelerate therapeutic development.

Your track record in grant success and scientific leadership will shape a cutting-edge research community.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant biomedical or life sciences discipline with strong postdoctoral track record.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an independent research programme investigating cancer biology.
• Translate fundamental discoveries into clinically relevant applications, including therapeutics, biomarkers, and drug development.
• Drive innovation by developing novel concepts and methods in cancer biology.
• Secure competitive national and international research funding.
• Lead multi-investigator grant applications and collaborative initiatives.
• Recruit, supervise, and mentor research staff and students.

Skills

Cancer biology

Tumour microenvironment

Epigenetics

RNA biology

Genomics / multi-omics

Functional genomics

Mechanistic molecular biology

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Grant readiness

Education

PhD in biomedical or life sciences

Postdoctoral experience

Tools

CRISPR screening

Single-cell omics

Spatial omics

Job description

Candidates are expected to bring strong expertise in cancer mechanisms, genomics, epigenetics, or RNA biology, and to develop a high-impact programme aligned with CSI Singapore’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership

• Establish and lead an independent research programme investigating cancer biology, including
  • cancer epigenetics and chromatin regulation
  • RNA biology and gene regulation
  • tumour state plasticity and lineage programmes
  • functional genomics and mechanistic cancer discovery
  • integration of single-cell, spatial, and multi-omic approaches
• Translate fundamental discoveries into clinically relevant applications, including therapeutics, biomarkers, and drug development.

Scientific Innovation

• Candidates are expected to drive innovation by developing novel concepts, methods, and experimental approaches that advance understanding of cancer biology. The work should push beyond incremental findings toward discoveries with the potential to reshape current thinking in the field.

Grant Development & Research Funding

• Secure competitive national and international research funding.
• Lead multi-investigator grant applications and collaborative research initiatives.
• Manage research budgets and ensure efficient utilisation of research resources.

Research Team Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, and mentor research fellows, research assistants, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive laboratory culture.
• Provide scientific mentorship and career development for junior researchers.
• Develop interdisciplinary collaborations across CSI Singapore, NUS, healthcare institutions, and international research organisations.
• Partner with clinician-scientists to facilitate translational and precision oncology research.
• Engage with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners where appropriate to accelerate therapeutic development.

Scholarly Activities

• Publish high-impact scientific findings in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at international scientific conferences and symposia.
• Serve on scientific advisory panels, grant review committees, and editorial boards as appropriate.

Teaching & Academic Contributions

• Contribute to graduate education through supervision of postgraduate students.
• Participate in teaching, seminars, journal clubs, and academic training programmes within NUS.
• Support institutional initiatives in research excellence and talent development.

Laboratory & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with institutional, biosafety, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee laboratory operations, equipment, and research infrastructure.
• Promote good research practices and research integrity.

Skill Set Requirements

• PhD in a relevant biomedical or life sciences discipline.
• Strong postdoctoral track record in cancer research or closely related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct innovative, independent, and rigorous research.
• First-author and/or senior-author publications in reputable journals.
• Expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Cancer biology
  • Tumour microenvironment
  • Epigenetics
  • RNA biology
  • Genomics / multi-omics
  • Functional genomics
  • Mechanistic molecular biology
• Experience with experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific writing.
• Evidence of grant readiness or prior success in competitive funding applications.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and team-building potential.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and communicate effectively.
• Experience with translational or clinically relevant cancer research.
• Familiarity with single-cell or spatial omics, CRISPR screening, or advanced genomic technologies.
• Experience working in internationally competitive research environments.
• Clear potential to develop an original, fundable, and high-impact research niche.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians, computational scientists, and industry partners.