Research Assistant

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Singapore is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. The successful candidate will design wet-lab experiments and analyze microbiological data while working closely with team members in efficient lab operations. Applicants should possess a BSc (Hons) in a relevant field and demonstrate hands-on experience in microbiology, with a strong interest in host–microbe interactions. Remuneration will match qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in experimental microbiology and host–microbe interactions.
• Prior hands-on experience in microbiology or murine models of enteric infection is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills necessary to document experiments.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute wet-lab experiments including PCR and bacterial competition assays.
• Perform bacteriology-focused in vivo studies using murine models.
• Coordinate procurement of laboratory consumables and provide administrative support.

Skills

Experimental microbiology

Data handling

Communication skills

Education

BSc (Hons) in Life Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline

Tools

MS Office applications

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)

Job description

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUSCareer Portal. Applications will be processed only if submitted through the portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to join the laboratory of Assistant Professor Yassine Cherrak within the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The lab focuses on understanding how enteric bacteria colonize the gastrointestinal tract and interact with the endogenous microbiota, with a particular emphasis on deciphering the fitness traits of multidrug resistant gram‑negative bacteria in the mammalian gut and identifying potential probiotic strains that prevent gut colonization of hard‑to‑eradicate strains.

Appointments are on a 1‑year contract basis, with the possibility of extension or conversion into PhD studies. Salary depends on experience and qualification.

• Design and execute wet‑lab experiments, including PCR, molecular cloning, bacterial competition assays, and phenotypic characterization.
• Construct, validate, and maintain bacterial mutant libraries (e.g., targeted gene knockouts, transposon or barcoded mutant collections).
• Perform bacteriology‑focused in vivo studies using murine models, including infection experiments, health monitoring, sample collection, and downstream microbiological and molecular analyses.
• Contribute to the development and application of in vitro and in vivo models to study host–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions.
• Analyze and interpret microbiological data, and prepare results for scientific publications, reports, and presentations.
• Support the day‑to‑day execution of the research project, working closely with team members to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Oversee routine microbiology laboratory management, including preparation of culture media, sterilization and autoclaving of materials, inventory control of strains and reagents, and maintenance of laboratory records.
• Coordinate procurement of laboratory consumables and equipment, and provide administrative support for research projects, including end‑to‑end management of purchasing and payments.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Life Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
• Highly motivated and intellectually curious individual with a strong interest in experimental microbiology and host–microbe interactions.
• Prior hands‑on experience in microbiology, next‑generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, or murine models of enteric infection is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications and strong overall IT literacy, including data handling and basic analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document experiments and communicate findings to diverse audiences.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Interested candidates, please send a detailed CV that includes work experience, education background, and contact information of at least three references to the NUS Career Portal.