Research Assistant (Procurement and Lab Operations)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A major university in Singapore is looking for a motivated Research Assistant to support translational research programs focusing on healthy aging. Responsibilities include conducting wet lab operations, managing lab inventory, and assisting with procurement and budgeting tasks. Candidates should hold a relevant Bachelor's degree and ideally have at least 2 years of experience in finance or administrative roles. This position is based on-site at the Kent Ridge Campus, with a career opportunity in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in procurement, finance, or administrative operations.
• Familiarity with financial systems preferred but not mandatory.
• Capable to work in a high-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct blood sample reception, processing, and labeling during clinical visits.
• Maintain lab inventory and ensure proper storage of samples.
• Coordinate with vendors and prepare purchase requests.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biomedical science or related discipline

Tools

iProcurement

Concur

SAP

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

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support our translational research programs in healthy aging. The role focuses primarily on wet lab operations, including sample processing, lab coordination, and protocol support, while also assisting with project-related procurement and budgeting tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Wet Lab & Research Operations
  • Conduct blood sample reception, centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and labeling during clinical visits
  • Maintain lab inventory, track consumables, and ensure proper storage of biological samples
  • Ensure strict compliance with biosafety guidelines, SOPs, and ethical handling protocols
  • Assist in improving lab workflows, implementing process enhancements, and maintaining equipment
  • Support basic data entry and sample documentation for research reports and databases
  • Coordinate with clinical and research teams to align daily lab activities with study protocols
  • Contribute to protocol execution and pilot testing of research methodologies as needed
• Procurement & Finance Support
  • Coordinate with vendors and business partners to register them in NUS finance systems, prepare purchase requests, and follow up on sourcing, invoicing, and goods receipt
  • Track expenditures and assist in budget monitoring, forecasting, and reporting for various research and operational projects
  • Liaise with project leads, finance teams, and operations staff
  • Utilize financial systems such as iProcurement, Ariba, Concur, and SAP for purchasing, payment, and reporting functions
  • Identify and implement improvements to procurement workflows and cost efficiency
  • Support broader administrative and operational tasks as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical science, or related discipline
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in procurement, finance, or administrative operations
• Familiarity with financial systems (e.g., iProcurement, Concur, SAP) preferred but not mandatory
• Strong motivation, initiative, and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Capable to work in high paced environment
• Interest for the field of healthy longevity

Preferred Attributes

• Knowledge of public sector procurement policies in Singapore
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proactive, responsive, and service-oriented mindset

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Department : Medicine

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 31508