Research Assistant/Research Assistant (Senior), Emerging Infectious Diseases

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 28,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Assistant / Research Assistant (Senior) to support a multidisciplinary One Health project in Singapore. The role spans field sampling, laboratory processing, data management, and collaboration with partners.

You will coordinate sample collection, assist with environmental sampling, and help with PCR/serology and sequencing prep, while ensuring biosafety and ethics compliance. A relevant bachelor’s degree is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Prior experience in laboratory techniques such as PCR, molecular biology, microbiology, or serology preferred.
• Prior experience with field sampling, environmental surveillance, or animal handling advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork at multiple sites across Singapore and potentially outside standard working hours.
• Familiarity with zoonotic diseases, One Health research, or infectious disease surveillance preferred.
• Experience with data analysis software, survey tools, or bioinformatics pipelines preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct biological and environmental sample collection from high-risk interfaces.
• Assist with fieldwork including collecting biological samples from various animals and environmental samples including air, wastewater, soil, and surface sampling at various locations across Singapore.
• Support laboratory processing of samples, including molecular assays, serological testing, nucleic acid extraction, PCR/RT-qPCR, and preparation for metagenomic sequencing.
• Assist with data entry, sample tracking, database management, and maintenance of accurate research records.
• Support administration of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surveys and participant recruitment activities.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, animal ethics, and human research protocols.
• Contribute to data analysis, report writing, literature reviews, and preparation of presentations and manuscripts.
• Liaise with collaborators, government agencies, and research partners.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described therein.

Skills

Field sampling

Data entry

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Independent work

Organisation

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Willingness for after-hours fieldwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Veterinary science, Life sciences, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Science, or related field

Tools

PCR

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Serology

Metagenomic sequencing prep

Job 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

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.

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant / Research Assistant (Senior) to support a multidisciplinary One Health research project investigating zoonotic disease risks at the human-animal interface in Singapore. The project integrates field epidemiology, laboratory diagnostics, environmental biosurveillance, behavioural research and pathogen genomics to better understand zoonotic spillover risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct biological and environmental sample collection from high-risk interfaces.


• Assist with fieldwork including collecting biological samples from various animals and environmental samples including air, wastewater, soil, and surface sampling at various locations across Singapore.


• Support laboratory processing of samples, including molecular assays, serological testing, nucleic acid extraction, PCR/RT-qPCR, and preparation for metagenomic sequencing.


• Assist with data entry, sample tracking, database management, and maintenance of accurate research records.


• Support administration of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surveys and participant recruitment activities.


• Ensure compliance with biosafety, animal ethics, and human research protocols.


• Contribute to data analysis, report writing, literature reviews, and preparation of presentations and manuscripts.


• Liaise with collaborators, government agencies, and research partners.


• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described therein.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Zoology, Veterinary science, Life sciences, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Science, or a related field.


• Prior experience in laboratory techniques such as PCR, molecular biology, microbiology, or serology is preferred.


• Prior experience with field sampling, environmental surveillance, or animal handling would be advantageous.


• Have strong organisational skills and attention to detail.


• Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Willingness to conduct fieldwork at multiple sites across Singapore and potentially outside standard working hours.


• Familiarity with zoonotic diseases, One Health research, or infectious disease surveillance is preferred but not required.


• Experience with data analysis software, survey tools, or bioinformatics pipelines is preferred but not required.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.