Research Assistant (Synthetic Biology TRP)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Laboratory of the Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, is hiring a Research Assistant (1-year contract). The role supports botanicals, microbiomes, and host homeostasis research, ensuring efficient, compliant lab systems and process optimization.

The RA will work with the PI and team to maintain safety, protocols, and data, contributing to lab-scale improvements and inter-team collaborations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple workflows and prioritise effectively.
• Good communication and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory inventory systems, ensuring accuracy and availability.
• Coordinate procurement processes, vendor interactions, and order tracking.
• Identify and implement improvements to inventory management workflows.
• Maintain equipment databases and coordinate servicing, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Support onboarding of new equipment, including documentation and workflow integration.
• Maintain and update safety documentation, including risk assessments and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory safety standards.
• Conduct periodic checks on laboratory practices and documentation completeness.
• Develop and maintain structured operational records (inventory, maintenance, safety logs).
• Support data analysis to improve laboratory efficiency and resource allocation.
• Assist with digitization and automation of lab management systems.
• Provide operational support to research activities, including material preparation and shared resource coordination.
• Support onboarding of new lab members
• Contribute to planning and organization of scientific workshops/conferences

Skills

Laboratory management

Analytical skills

Communication

Team player

Education

Biomedical Sciences / Life Sciences (degree)

Tools

Inventory management systems

Job description

Job Title: Research Assistant (Synthetic Biology TRP)

University-Level Unit: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Dean-Med-Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 24/08/2026

Job Description

We are seeking a diligent research assistant to join the Laboratory of Assistant Professor Gavin Kuziel in the Synthetic Biology Translational Research Program (TRP) at the National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The Kuziel Lab integrates techniques in plant synthetic biology, high-throughput microbial screening, and chemical genomics to generate mechanistic, systems-level frameworks for how botanicals shape diverse microbe–host symbioses, enabling new strategies to engineer and enhance the resilience of host- or environment-associated microbial communities.

The Research Assistant (RA) will work closely with the Principal Investigator and the research team to support research at the interface of botanicals, microbiomes, and host homeostasis. This role supports laboratory operations, safety compliance, and research activities by ensuring efficient, well-maintained, and compliant laboratory systems, while contributing to process optimization and operational improvements. Appointments will be initially made on a 1-year contract, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory inventory systems, ensuring accuracy and availability
• Coordinate procurement processes, vendor interactions, and order tracking
• Identify and implement improvements to inventory management workflows
• Maintain equipment databases and coordinate servicing, calibration, and troubleshooting
• Support onboarding of new equipment, including documentation and workflow integration
• Maintain and update safety documentation, including risk assessments and SOPs
• Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory safety standards
• Conduct periodic checks on laboratory practices and documentation completeness
• Develop and maintain structured operational records (inventory, maintenance, safety logs)
• Support data analysis to improve laboratory efficiency and resource allocation
• Assist with digitization and automation of lab management systems
• Provide operational support to research activities, including material preparation and shared resource coordination
• Support onboarding of new lab members
• Contribute to the planning and organization of scientific workshops/conferences

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Bachelor’s of Master’s degree in the Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related discipline
• Possess strong organisational and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail
• Have the ability to manage multiple workflows and prioritise effectively
• Possess good communication skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders
• Be a strong team player who can also work independently
• *** Have familiarity with laboratory practices, safety standards, or research environments is advantageous

Remuneration will be commensurate to the candidate's qualifications and experience.