Research Associate II

National Neuroscience Institute; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore seeks a motivated Research Associate to support GBM translational research under the SingHealth-Duke Neuro-Oncology programme. The role emphasizes molecular biology, cell culture, and functional assays, with opportunities to work on orthotopic GBM mouse models and multi-omic data analyses.

RCULA certification for animal work is preferred, and strong analytical skills are expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biomedical science or equivalent required.
• Prior experience in laboratory cancer research beneficial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Design, troubleshoot and execute molecular biology experiments.
• Establish and optimise cell-based assays.
• Conduct in vivo studies using orthotopic GBM models.
• Document, analyse and present data clearly.
• Ensure adherence to biosafety and ethical guidelines.
• Collaborate with PI and research team to meet milestones.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in biomedical science

Tools

Python

R

Flow cytometry

qPCR

Job description

Company description:

The National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), Singapore is the national specialist centre and regional centre for clinical referrals for the management and treatment of the neurosciences, as well as for education and research conducted in the field. NNI offers over 20 subspecialties in neuroscience care and treats a broad range of illness affecting the brain, spine, nerves and muscles. Offering a comprehensive range of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology services using the latest technology and experience of our healthcare professionals, NNI is at the forefront of neuroscience care in Singapore and across the region.

Job description:

The Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory at National Neuroscience Institute is dedicated to elucidating the molecular underpinnings of glioblastoma (GBM) and innovating effective and precise therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes. Under the scientific leadership of both A/Profs Christopher Ang Beng Ti and Carol Tang, the laboratory has established significant milestones in setting up the NNI brain tumour resource (Glioportal) comprising patient-derived cells, orthotopic xenograft mouse models and clinical material fully annotated with deep content molecular data. This aids in facilitating the transition of cutting-edge therapeutic methods from research to clinical application.

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to support the recently awarded Joint SingHealth-Duke Neuro-Oncology programme focusing on GBM translational research. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer biology research, with the potential to directly impact therapeutic strategies for GBM patients. Expertise in cancer models especially with cell cultures, cell-based assays and animal handling is highly desirable.

Key responsibilities:

• Independently design, troubleshoot and execute molecular biology, cell biology and biochemical experiments
• Establish and optimise functional cell-based assays
• Conduct in vivo studies using orthotopic GBM mouse models
• Document, analyse and present data in detailed and logical manner
• Ensure adherence to ethical, biosafety and institutional guidelines
• Work closely with PI and research team to achieve project milestones
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein

Requirements:

• Master's degree in biomedical science, life sciences or equivalent.
• Prior experience in laboratory cancer research
• Experience working with animal (with RCULA certification) is preferred
• Familiarity with techniques like cell culture, molecular biology, quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry staining, confocal microscopy and cell-based assays
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R and experience with bioinformatics tools and software for multi-omic analysis is a plus
• Demonstrable scientific track record with good publications
• Possess excellent analytical, technical and problem-solving skills
• Well-organized, detail-oriented and committed to high research standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly motivated team player with ability to work independently