Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Translational Bacteriology Lab), A*STAR IDL

ASTAR Infectious Diseases Labs (ASTAR IDL) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join us in advancing research at the cutting edge of infectious diseases. A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL) aims to be the global leader in tropical infectious diseases through scientific excellence in research and innovation to enhance human health and respond to future pandemics.

This position is within the newly established laboratory of Professor Stephen Baker, a globally recognized leader in antimicrobial resistance and bacteriology, The lab's focus is on developing novel therapeutics and preventative strategies against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and critical infectious diseases.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside Professor Baker and a new dynamic team, contributing to high-impact research in immunology and antimicrobial resistance. This role also offers mentorship, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and collaboration opportunities with leading researchers globally.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Leadership:

• Design and lead independent research projects focused on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutics for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli).
• Apply advanced high-throughput functional genomic technologies (e.g., RNA-seq, TraDIS) to study bacterial gene regulation and virulence.
• Investigate molecular pathways to identify novel targets for therapeutic interventions, including small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines.

Data Analysis and Collaboration:

• Analyze complex genomic datasets using bioinformatics tools such as R and Python.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to translate findings into potential therapeutic applications.
• Present findings at international conferences and prepare manuscripts for high-impact journals.

Therapeutic Development:

• Contribute to the development of next-generation therapeutics, including the evaluation of antimicrobial compounds, immunotherapeutics, and phage-based treatments.
• Perform molecular and immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, flow cytometry, protein assays) to test therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
• Integrate findings from genomic and molecular studies to advance therapeutic candidates through preclinical evaluation.

Mentorship and Team Development:

• Mentor junior researchers, including PhD students and research assistants, to foster a collaborative and productive research environment.

Why Join Us?

• Develop your independent research career under the mentorship of a globally recognized expert in antimicrobial resistance.
• Lead impactful research projects with a focus on developing novel therapeutics.
• Publish in leading scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with international experts and gain access to state-of-the-art facilities at A*STAR IDL.
• Be part of a supportive and ambitious team making a global impact in infectious diseases research.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related field, with a strong track record in bacterial genomics or antimicrobial resistance.
• Expertise in molecular microbiology and genomic techniques would be an added advantage.
• Proven ability to publish in high-impact journals and lead independent research projects.
• Expertise in high-throughput genomic technologies (e.g., RNA-seq, TraDIS) and bacterial transcriptomics.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics analysis and statistical tools (e.g., R, Python).
• Strong molecular microbiology skills, including plasmid conjugation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and CRISPR-based tools.
• Experience with immunological assays (e.g., flow cytometry) and animal model studies for therapeutic testing.
• Knowledge of therapeutic development pipelines, including small molecule and antibody-based interventions.
• Excellent mentorship and team leadership capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing grants, publications, and presentations.
• Highly motivated, collaborative, and eager to develop an independent research career.