Research Assistant (Biochemistry)

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore is seeking a Research Assistant to support projects in Assistant Prof. Vincenzo Sorrentino's laboratory. The role involves managing lab operations and assisting in experimental validation using molecular biology techniques.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or biochemistry, demonstrate a passion for lab safety, and have strong attention to detail. The position offers opportunities for professional development and contribution to innovative research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with good results in life sciences, biochemistry, or related disciplines.
• Passionate about lab safety and management; self-motivated.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory operations including risk assessment and SOPs.
• Provide support to research projects, material tracking, and lab duties.
• Execute tasks including facilitating lab visits and audits.
• Maintain professional conduct and accurate record keeping.

Skills

Lab management

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or biochemistry

Tools

MS Office

GraphPad

Job description

Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Assistant in the lab of Assistant Prof. Vincenzo Sorrentino, part of the Department of Biochemistry and the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The department and programme, with their vanguard integrative research programs and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, aim to lead the field of prevention, early detection and precise management of diseases at every stage of life. By bridging preclinical and clinical research, a major focus is to develop interventions to delay ageing and chronic disease onset, thereby improving life quality. Appointments will be on a 1‑year contract in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.

Purpose of the post

The Research Assistant (RA) will be responsible to, and work closely with, Assistant Prof. Vincenzo Sorrentino to provide support in research projects, lab management, procurement, operations and safety in Dr. Sorrentino’s laboratories. The RA is expected to facilitate team members’ onboarding and provide experimental support to the team.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Manage laboratory operation and management, including creation, review and revision of risk assessment and SOPs, materials inventory, procurement, post‑procurement processing, equipment maintenance, asset management, safety trainings, and housekeeping of safety tools in Prof Sorrentino’s laboratory.
2. Provide administrative and experimental support to the projects, such as collaborating with other members of the research team, arranging material transfers with collaborators, tracking ordering of materials needed, and arranging lab duties for the different members. In particular, activities include experimental validation using molecular biology, cell culture, enzymatic and metabolic assays for potential drug candidates emerging from a bioinformatics PhD project in the team; the RA is expected to closely support the PhD student in carrying out the needed experimental activities.
3. Execute other tasks including facilitating lab visits, audit/inspections as delegated by the PI.
4. Maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and record keeping in accordance with policies and procedures.

Qualifications

1. Have a first degree with good results or hold a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biochemistry or related disciplines.
2. Be passionate about lab safety, operations and management, self‑motivated, naturally take ownership of assignments, and proactively propose solutions to arising obstacles.
3. Be able to work independently and in a team, have an investigative nature and attention to detail.
4. Have knowledge of computer applications, e.g. MS Office, PowerPoint, GraphPad.
5. Experience in preclinical areas of research, e.g. cell/tissue culture, model organisms experimental design and execution (rodents, nematodes), and in particular in molecular biology, mitochondrial and enzymatic assays would be of great advantage.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.