Senior Research Officer (Immune-Microbiota Interactions), SIgN

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering laboratory focused on high-impact research into host-microbiome interactions. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experts in a dynamic team environment, where you'll engage in cutting-edge research and gain exposure to innovative technologies. As a Senior Research Officer, you will contribute to microbiological and immunological assays, manage animal colonies, and analyze complex data. With a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development, this position is perfect for those passionate about advancing their skills and making significant contributions to scientific knowledge.

Benefits

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Mentorship opportunities

Professional development

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 3+ years of full-time wet lab experience with molecular biology techniques.
• Proficient in animal husbandry and laboratory management.
• Strong troubleshooting and protocol optimization skills.

Responsibilities

• Isolate and culture microbes from primary samples and conduct immunological studies.
• Manage animal colonies and perform various procedures including blood collection.
• Collaborate on projects and support lab management activities.

Skills

Molecular Biology Techniques

Animal Husbandry

Data Analysis

Immunological Assays

Bioinformatics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology

Tools

R programming

GraphPad Prism

Microsoft Excel

FlowJo

Job description

The Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) is seeking a Senior Research Officer to join us in contributing to high-impact research on host-microbiome interactions.

This position is within the newly established laboratory of Dr. Meera Shenoy, and the successful candidate will work alongside Dr. Shenoy and a dynamic new team to investigate how the maternal immune system coordinates maternal health and early life homeostasis during pregnancy, lactation, and involution.

The successful candidate will be a team player, self-motivated, organized, and good at time management. The role offers opportunities for learning and mastering new skills, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, mentorship, independent and collaborative work, and career advancement.

Key Responsibilities:

Microbiological, Molecular, and Immunological Assays:

Isolate and culture microbes in aerobic and anaerobic environments from primary animal and human samples.

Develop and optimize molecular assays to investigate microbiota composition and behaviour, including techniques such as microbial flow cytometry, RT-PCR, cloning, and whole genome sequencing.

Conduct immunological studies, such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and single cell RNA sequencing, to understand cellular and humoral immune responses.

Animal Work:

Breed and manage animal colony with meticulous record keeping.

Develop and optimize genotyping protocols and independently manage colony genotypes.

Coordinate animal transfers and protocol amendments.

Perform procedures including blood collection, injections, oral gavage, and pipet feeding.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

Analyse a variety of data outputs, including flow cytometry, RT-PCR, genomic sequencing, and ELISA.

Maintain meticulous records, draft reports, and present findings to team and collaborators.

Lab Management and Collaboration:

Collaborate on research projects with students and scientists to advance team science.

Support lab management activities, including mentoring team members, ensuring safety compliance, and facilitating efficient lab operations.

Assist with setup of newly established lab. Source and procure essential consumables and equipment. Network with neighbouring labs.

Draft and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for experiment and safety. Continuous assessment and refinement of protocols.

Provide hands on training to staff and/or students on laboratory techniques, equipment usage, and safety practices.

Manage and maintain inventory system of lab samples, consumables and instruments.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a laboratory advancing cutting edge research into host-microbe interactions.

You are passionate about wet lab research and being part of a dynamic team.

Access state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies.

You are excited about putting your stamp on a new lab by helping with the setup.

Gain mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology, Immunology, or a related field.

A minimum of 3 years of full-time wet lab experience.

Proficiency in animal husbandry and experiments.

Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, PCR, RT-PCR).

Experience with RNA techniques (e.g., RNA extraction, qPCR, sequencing).

Strong troubleshooting and protocol optimization capabilities.

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

A passion for learning new skills and tackling new challenges.

Preferred Experience:

Expertise in bioinformatics and analysis tools (e.g., R programming, GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel, FlowJo).

Experience with immunological assays (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA).

Experience with bacterial culture and cloning.

Experience with protein techniques (e.g., protein purification, Western blot).

Experience with laboratory management (e.g., SOP development, records, procurement, personnel training, and inventory oversight) and/or laboratory set-up.

Comfortable engaging with a variety of specialists, incuding research collaborators, vendors, core services, and clinicians.