Research Assistant (Biological Sciences)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research university in Singapore is seeking a highly organized Research Assistant to support laboratory operations and management. The role includes overseeing procurement, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines, and maintaining structured online records. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree in a life science or related field, strong organizational and communication skills, and experience in a lab environment. This position is vital for the smooth running of the laboratory and requires effective coordination amongst team members.

Qualifications

• Preferred bachelor's degree in a life science or related discipline.
• Prior experience in a wet-lab research environment is advantageous.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain daily laboratory order, cleanliness, and shared workspaces.
• Manage procurement of instruments, reagents, and consumables.
• Oversee daily laboratory safety practices.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Science or related discipline

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Company Description

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore

Job Description

Research Assistant (Laboratory Operations & Management)

Protein Quality and Quantity Control Laboratory

The laboratory of Assistant Professor LIN Zhewang is seeking a highly organized and proactive Research Assistant to support lab procurement and oversee day-to-day operations. This position is primarily management-focused and is essential for ensuring that the laboratory runs safely, smoothly, and efficiently. The successful candidate will serve as the main point of contact for internal lab coordination, safety and compliance, purchasing, inventory management, and administrative matters.

Key Responsibilities

1. Laboratory Operations & Internal Coordination
   • Maintain daily laboratory order, cleanliness, and shared workspaces.
   • Facilitate communication and coordination within the group and with neighboring laboratories.
   • Enforce laboratory rules, SOPs, and good research practices.
2. Procurement, Inventory & Finances
   • Manage quotations and procurement of instruments, reagents, and consumables.
   • Maintain accurate online inventory and usage records.
   • Prepare simple monthly consumption and expense summaries; provide regular financial updates to the PI.
3. Safety Management
   • Oversee daily laboratory safety practices and ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
   • Ensure proper storage, labelling, and disposal of chemical and biological materials.
   • Support safety documentation, onboarding procedures, and liaison with safety officers.
4. Administrative & General Support
   • Coordinate reimbursements, shipments, equipment servicing, and asset records.
   • Assist with onboarding/offboarding of lab members and basic travel or conference arrangements.
   • Perform other duties related to laboratory operations, administration, safety, or outreach as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a Life Science or related discipline is preferred; candidates with strong administrative and lab-management experience will also be considered.
• Prior experience working in a wet-lab research environment (academic or industry) is highly advantageous.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; comfortable maintaining structured online records and spreadsheets.
• Good understanding of basic laboratory safety principles; prior safety or lab-management experience is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to coordinate between different lab members and enforce rules in a firm but respectful manner.
• Comfortable interacting with vendors, administrative offices, and external collaborators.
• Proficiency with common office software and online tools (e.g. Excel/Google Sheets, email, basic shared drives).
• Responsible, reliable, and able to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the PI.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Science

Department: Biological Sciences