Research Assistant (Synthetic Biology TRP)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme based at Kent Ridge Campus. You will support bacterial cultivation, lab workflows, and high-throughput screening efforts under the supervision of the Kuziel Lab, focusing on botanicals, microbiomes, and host homeostasis.

Initial appointment is for 1 year with possible extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience or coursework in microbiology or cell culture.
• Highly organized with keen attention to detail and ability to manage daily workflows.
• Good communication and collaborative spirit to work in a team.
• Exposure to high-throughput screening is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in cultivation and maintenance of diverse prokaryotic microorganisms.
• Support high-throughput microbial screening and phenotypic characterization.
• Assist with sample preparation and routine next-generation sequencing library prep.
• Support general research activities, including media prep and reagent inventories.
• Provide collaborative support to lab members and other RAs.
• Assist in other duties as delegated by the PI.

Skills

Microbiology basics

Cell culture

Organizational skills

Task prioritization

Team communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences or related

Job description

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: Kent Ridge Campus

Posted On: 10/09/2026

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated 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, senior researchers, and lab members to support research at the interface of botanicals, microbiomes, and host homeostasis, with a primary focus on supporting bacterial cultivation and lab workflows. Appointments will be initially made on a 1-year contract, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the cultivation and maintenance of diverse prokaryotic microorganisms
• Support high-throughput microbial screening and phenotypic characterization
• Assist with sample preparation and routine next-generation sequencing library prep
• Support general research activities, including media preparation, resource coordination, and maintaining shared strain/reagent inventories
• Provide collaborative support to other lab members and research assistants
• Assist in any other routine duties delegated by the Principal Investigator

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Basic hands-on experience or coursework in general microbiology or cell culture
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage daily workflows effectively
• Good communication skills and a strong desire to work collaboratively in a team environment

Highly desirable:

• Experience in aerobic and/or anaerobic microbial culture
• Familiarity with routine molecular biology techniques or bacterial strain engineering
• Exposure to high-throughput screening equipment (e.g., plate readers, automated liquid handlers)

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

Req ID: 34387

© National University of Singapore. All Rights Reserved.