Postdoctoral Fellow – Mitochondrial Microproteins in Metabolic Control and Therapy

Duke-NUS; Singapore; On-site; SGD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke-NUS Medical School seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow for pioneering research on mitochondrial microproteins. The role offers a unique opportunity to explore therapeutic innovations at the intersection of biology and machine learning in Singapore's vibrant biomedical environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or similar.
• Experience in mitochondrial biology, CRISPR screens, or metabolic physiology is preferred.
• Coding skills in Python or R, with knowledge of deep learning tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects focusing on mitochondrial microproteins and their regulatory functions.
• Utilize bioinformatics and machine learning to analyze datasets.
• Collaborate across disciplines to enhance research methodologies.

Skills

Mitochondrial biology

CRISPR

Machine learning

Computational biology

Python

R

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related fields

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mitochondrial Microproteins & Therapeutic Innovation
Lena Ho Lab | Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Programme

Advance scientific frontiers in one of Asia’s leading biomedical research hubs.
Duke-NUS Medical School combines the academic excellence of Duke University with Singapore’s vision for translational biomedical innovation. Situated in the heart of Singapore’s Singhealth Academic Medical Center, Duke-NUS offers postdocs access to advanced core facilities, integration with national clinical networks, and a uniquely collaborative scientific culture. Singapore itself provides a globally connected, well-resourced environment with strong governmental support for biomedical research and a vibrant, multicultural setting for international researchers.

The Opportunity
Microproteins (MPs) encoded by cryptic small open reading frames (smORFs) are rapidly becoming recognized as a untapped resource of new genes with regulatory functions in cardiometabolic and mitochondrial biology. The Endogenous Peptides Laboratory, led by Dr. Lena Ho, is a leader in microprotein discovery, functional characterization and therapeutic development. The goal of this program is to discover clinically relevant candidates that can be fast tracked for clinical development. The lab uses a combination of bioinformatics, biochemistry, animal modelling, Crispr screening and single-cell omics in human and mouse systems to understand how mito-SEPs regulate cellular processes related to energy production. The lab is recruiting motivated postdoctoral fellows to lead new projects at the intersection of mitochondrial biology, functional genomics, and machine learning. This interdisciplinary initiative focuses on discovering, decoding and engineering mitochondrial microproteins (mito-MPs) with emerging roles in metabolic regulation and mitochondrial homeostasis. The project integrates experimental and computational strategies to uncover novel biological mechanisms and lay the groundwork for future therapeutic exploration in mitochondrial and metabolic diseases.

Key Themes of the Project

• Functional Genomics: Explore the biological impact of mitochondrial microproteins using CRISPR-based tools and systematic perturbation approaches.
• Systems Biology: Integrate multi-omic datasets to map the molecular networks influenced by mito-MPs.
• Machine Learning: Apply cutting-edge protein language models and AI frameworks to predict and design microproteins with targeted metabolic effects.
• Biological Discovery: Generate foundational insights into the “microproteome” as a reservoir of regulatory potential and therapeutic relevance.

This effort is part of a broader initiative to demonstrate that small ORF–encoded microproteins represent a largely untapped layer of mitochondrial regulation, and represent a novel treasure trove of therapeutic targets. The lab is supported by competitive academic and private-sector funding, including a discovery-driven bridge award aimed at building early proof-of-concept in this emerging field.

Lab Culture & Environment

The Ho Lab values scientific independence, creative thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Team members are encouraged to lead their own ideas, develop new methodologies, and publish at a high level. The lab offers deep integration between wet-lab and computational biology, and close connections to institutional resources and collaborative networks across Duke-NUS and beyond.

Candidate Profile

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds in experimental or computational biology who are excited by pioneering research directions.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, or related fields
• Experience or strong interest in mitochondrial biology, CRISPR screens, machine learning, transcriptomics, or metabolic physiology
• Coding proficiency (e.g., Python, R) and familiarity with deep learning tools are strong assets
• A strong publication record, critical thinking, and collaborative mindset

Application Instructions
To apply, please send:

1. Your CV
2. A brief cover letter outlining your research interests and relevant experience (max 1 page)
3. Names and contact information of 2–3 referees

Submit your application or inquiries to [e-mail]