Research Assistant (OR/EID/ML2)

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 35,712 - 58,032; Full time

Job summary

The Signature Research Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases at NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Senior) to join the team within EID.

The role blends hands-on research with laboratory management and operations to support coronavirus–host interaction studies using organoids, CRISPR, and single-cell omics.

Experience in life sciences and lab safety is essential; prior BSL-3 experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in life sciences or related fields.
• Experience in laboratory techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Familiarity with biosafety practices; viruses or organoid systems a plus.
• Proven expertise in laboratory management and operations.
• Strong safety awareness, risk assessment, and compliance knowledge.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and independent work skills.
• Experience in a BSL-3 lab preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and analyze experiments independently or with colleagues.
• Process, document, and manage clinical samples; maintain inventory and traceability.
• Record, monitor, and report research findings with scientific rigor.
• Contribute to team discussions, data interpretation, and project planning.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the laboratory and develop SOPs.
• Maintain lab safety, PPE use, and regulatory compliance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement to optimize research and operations.

Skills

cell culture

molecular biology

biochemistry

lab management

communication skills

Education

Life Sciences degree

Immunology degree

Molecular Biology degree

Job description

The Signature Research Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) aims to pioneer our understanding of emerging infections through world class research that integrates immunology, infection biology, pathogen genomics, and computational approaches. This integration drives comprehensive studies of host–pathogen interactions across molecular, individual, and population scales to address emerging health challenges.

The Coronavirus Lab, led by Assistant Professor Mart Lamers, is seeking a highly motivated full time Research Assistant / Research Assistant (Senior) to join our team within EID.

Our group leverages cutting-edge technologies—including organoids, CRISPR/Cas9, and single-cell omics—to study coronavirus–host interactions that shape pandemic potential and disease pathogenesis. This role uniquely combines hands on research contributions with key responsibilities in laboratory management, offering an opportunity to advance impactful science while ensuring excellence in lab operations.

The selected candidate will perform a variety of research activities which include planning, organising and conducting research studies within the overall scope of a research project under the supervision of the Principal Investigator or his/her designate, including but not limited to the following:

Research Support

• Plan, conduct, and analyze experiments independently or in collaboration with colleagues.
• Process, document, and manage clinical samples; maintain accurate inventory and traceability.
• Record, monitor, and report research findings with scientific rigor.
• Contribute actively to team discussions, data interpretation, and project planning.

Laboratory Operations & Administration

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the laboratory to ensure efficiency, organization, and productivity.
• Develop, implement, and update lab policies, SOPs, and workflows to support best practices.
• Conduct and maintain risk assessments, MSDS files, and compliance documentation.
• Champion a strong culture of safety, biosafety, and regulatory compliance; monitor PPE use and hazardous material handling.
• Maintain lab supply chain management (reagents, consumables, equipment, inventory).
• Serve as the primary liaison for lab-related communications, including audits, inspections, and external vendors.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement to optimize research and operations.
• Promote a collaborative, safe, and supportive environment for all lab members.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Life Sciences, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Materials Engineering or other related fields.
• Prior experience in laboratory techniques, such as cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Familiarity with biosafety practices (experience with viruses or organoid systems would be an advantage).
• Proven expertise in laboratory management and operations.
• Possess strong understanding of safety regulations, risk assessment, and compliance frameworks.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with excellent written, oral communication and computer skills.
• A strong team player who can work independently and is responsible, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence, teamwork, and laboratory safety.
• Have experience working in a BSL-3 lab is preferred.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.