Research Assistant / PhD Student

Nanyang Technological University Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) is recruiting Research Assistants and PhD Students to advance AI-driven RNA therapeutics and drug discovery at the intersection of computational and wet-lab research. The roles span AI/computational and experimental tracks, offering exposure to cutting-edge machine learning, high-throughput experiments, and preclinical validation.

Successful candidates will integrate with CCDS and LKCMedicine, contribute to interdisciplinary projects, and publish

Qualifications

• Track 1 requires degree and Python/PyTorch expertise.
• Track 2 requires hands-on molecular biology and RNA therapeutics experience.
• Preferred qualifications include AI or programming knowledge; collaboration with computational researchers is encouraged.
• Prior AI or programming experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI and deep learning methods for drug discovery, RNA therapeutics design, and targeted drug delivery.
• Build predictive models using molecular, biological, and high-throughput data.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists to validate AI-guided candidates.
• Design and conduct experimental studies to develop RNA therapeutics and delivery systems.
• Generate high-quality datasets to support AI model training and validation.
• Publish research findings in leading AI and interdisciplinary journals and conferences.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

Machine learning

Deep learning

Generative AI

Large language models

Reinforcement learning

AI agents

Molecular machine learning

Biology interest

Education

Bachelor's/Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related discipline

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Nanoparticle formulation

Job description

Research Assistants & PhD Students – AI-Driven RNA Therapeutics and Drug Discovery

AI / Deep Learning & Experimental / Wet-Lab Research Positions

Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS) & Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine)

We are recruiting highly motivated Research Assistants and PhD Students to join our interdisciplinary research team at NTU, working at the exciting intersection of artificial intelligence, drug discovery, and RNA therapeutics.

Our research aims to accelerate the development of next-generation RNA therapeutics by combining cutting-edge AI and deep learning approaches with high-throughput experimentation and preclinical validation. We are particularly interested in developing AI-guided strategies for targeted RNA delivery, enabling more effective and precise treatments for challenging diseases.

We welcome applicants from both computational and experimental backgrounds across two research tracks.

Track 1: AI & Computational Research

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop novel AI and deep learning approaches for drug discovery, RNA therapeutics design, and targeted drug delivery.
• Explore advanced machine learning methods, including generative models, foundation models, and AI agents for scientific discovery.
• Build predictive models and computational frameworks using molecular, biological, and high-throughput experimental datasets.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists to design and validate AI-guided therapeutic candidates.
• Contribute to research publications at leading AI and interdisciplinary scientific conferences and journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Solid understanding of machine learning, deep learning, and computational research methodologies.
• Experience in areas such as molecular machine learning, generative AI, large language models, reinforcement learning, or AI agents is an advantage.
• Interest in applying AI to biological problems and drug discovery. Prior biomedical research experience is not required.

Track 2: Experimental & Wet-Lab Research

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experimental studies to develop and evaluate RNA therapeutics and delivery systems.
• Perform molecular biology, cell-based assays, and/or animal studies to assess therapeutic delivery, efficacy, and tissue targeting.
• Develop and scale up high-throughput screening platforms for RNA therapeutics.
• Optimize experimental protocols to improve reproducibility, throughput, and data quality.
• Generate high-quality experimental datasets to support AI model training and validation.
• Collaborate closely with AI researchers to accelerate therapeutic discovery and optimization.
• Contribute to research publications and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with relevant experimental techniques, such as molecular biology, cell culture, RNA therapeutics, nanoparticle formulation, high-throughput screening, or animal studies.
• Experience in in vivo studies, drug delivery, or RNA-based therapeutics is an advantage.
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and laboratory documentation skills.
• Interest in collaborating with computational researchers. Prior AI or programming experience is a plus but not required.

Why Join Us?

• Interdisciplinary research: Work at the interface of cutting-edge AI and experimental therapeutics, with access to both computational and wet-lab research environments.
• High-impact scientific challenges: Address fundamental barriers in drug discovery and targeted RNA delivery, with the potential to translate research into new therapeutic approaches.
• Research ownership and growth: Take ownership of ambitious research projects, develop independent research skills, and contribute to high-impact scientific publications.
• Collaborative environment: Work alongside AI scientists, experimental biologists, and researchers from diverse disciplines across NTU and collaborating institutions.

Who Are We Looking For?

We value candidates who are curious, self-motivated, proactive, and eager to tackle challenging research problems. Strong analytical thinking, research initiative, and a willingness to learn across disciplinary boundaries are especially important.

Applicants do not need to have expertise in both AI and experimental biology. We encourage candidates with strong foundations in either area to apply.

Join us in advancing the next generation of AI-driven RNA therapeutics and drug discovery!