Research Associate (Biological Interfaces)

ntu; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NTU invites applications for a Research Associate to advance lipid nanoparticle (LNP)–based carriers for the delivery of mRNA-related biomolecular cargo. You will work with senior researchers to study physical properties of custom-formulated LNPs and their interactions with host cells.

The role blends fundamental science with translational outcomes, supporting NTU's mission to integrate life sciences with physical, chemical, and materials sciences and engineering for novel molecular analytics.

Qualifications

• Master's in life sciences or related disciplines.
• Experience in soft matter structural characterization.
• Familiar with lab safety and management matters.
• Strong communication skills for reports and publications.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy, cell cultures and biochemical assays.

Responsibilities

• Use structural characterization to understand LNP-mRNA features.
• Conduct biophysical/biochemistry experiments and data analysis.
• Communicate effectively within the group.
• Document laboratory work accurately and systematically.
• Draft publications and present findings.
• Follow laboratory safety standards.
• Assist in lab management.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Soft matter characterization

Biochemistry/Molecular biology

Lab safety & management

Scientific communication

Education

Master's degree in life sciences or related fields

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

Spectroscopy

Cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Biochemical assays

Job description

The Institute For Digital Molecular Analytics & Science (IDMxS) is a unique interdisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence (RCE), funded by National Research Foundation, Ministry of Education (Singapore), Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore. Hosted by NTU, IDMxS is focused on development of core science to drive a paradigm shift in molecular detection and analysis to link the biomolecular world of life with the networked world of technology.

IDMxS is looking for motivated individual to join us as Research Associate to advance research in the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) based carriers for the delivery of mRNA related biomolecular cargo. The role will focus on working with senior researchers and collaborators for studying the physical properties of custom-formulated LNPs containing synthetic dopants such as conjugated molecules and their interactions with host cells. The position will contribute to both fundamental understanding and translational outcomes, supporting the Institute's mission to integrate life sciences with physical, chemical, and materials sciences and engineering for novel molecular analytics.

Key Responsibilities

• Use a range of structural characterization techniques to understand the physical features of LNP-mRNA aggregates that exhibit improved transfection efficiency and protein expression.
• Execute biophysical/biochemistry/molecular biology experiments and perform data analysis.
• Ensure effective communications among group members.
• Ensure accurate and systematic documentation of laboratory work.
• Draft scientific publications, present research findings internally and externally.
• Comply with all laboratory safety standards and guidelines.
• Assist in lab management matters when necessary.
• Guide junior members of the team.

Requirements

• Master's in life science, biochemistry, molecular cell biology, or other related disciplines.
• Experience in soft matter structural characterization techniques.
• Familiar with lab operation, lab safety and management matters.
• Strong communication skills and ability to write research reports, publish and critically review publications.
• Experience with most of the following analytical technologies, including fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy, cell cultures, molecular biology techniques, biochemical assays, etc.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution

NTU