Research Associate [LKCMedicine]

Nanyang Technological University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Liu Lab at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, NTU Singapore, invites applications for a Research Assistant to advance cancer and stem cell biology. You will work on organoid models and 3D cultures, conducting molecular and cellular experiments under supervision and contributing to research plans.

Strong communication, meticulous work, and the ability to work both independently and with a team are essential. Entry-level candidates are welcome to apply.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in cell biology, biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Minimum 1 year of hands-on lab experience with organoid culture and stem cell maintenance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop, manage, and execute research plans.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop complex cellular models, including organoids, 3D spheroids, and 2D cultures.
• Conduct and analyze molecular and cellular biology experiments (qRT-PCR, CRISPR, live-cell imaging, biochemical assays).
• Collaborate with the PI and PhD students to execute research plans and optimize protocols.
• Help create risk assessments and SOPs to support lab safety and compliance.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Research planning

Independent and team work

Attention to detail

Education

Master's degree in cell biology/biochemistry/molecular biology

Job description

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) trains doctors who put patients at the centre of their exemplary care. The School, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programmes, is named after local philanthropist Tan Sri Dato Lee Kong Chian. Established in 2010 by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in partnership with Imperial College London, LKCMedicine aims to be a model for innovative medical education and a centre for transformative research. The School’s primary clinical partner is the National Healthcare Group, a leader in public healthcare recognised for the quality of its medical expertise, facilities and teaching. The School is transitioning to an NTU medical school ahead of the 2028 successful conclusion of the NTU-Imperial partnership to set up a Joint Medical School. In August 2024, we welcomed our first intake of the NTU MBBS programme, that has been recently enhanced to include themes like precision medicine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with an expanded scope in the medical humanities.

The Liu Lab (Principal Investigator: Dr. Yi Liu) of the Cancer Discovery and Regenerative Medicine Programme at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) is a collaborative, forwarding-thinking, and innovative cell biology research laboratory. The lab aims to conduct impactful and creative cancer and stem cell research by leveraging 3D cell models including organoids and spheroids. For more details, please view the Liu lab website https://liulab.myportfolio.com/ & the programme website https://www.ntu.edu.sg/medicine/research/research-programmes/cancer-discovery-regenerative-medicine.

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join our team in advancing cancer and stem cell biology research. The role will independently executing experimental protocols, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to our understanding of cancer mechanisms and stem cell behavior.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and develop complex cellular models, including organoids, 3D spheroids, and 2D cell cultures.
• Independently conduct and analyze a range of molecular and cellular biology experiments, utilizing techniques such as qRT-PCR, CRISPR-based genetic manipulation, advanced live-cell imaging, and biochemical assays.
• Collaborate directly with the Principal Investigator (PI) and PhD students to execute outlined research plans and optimize experimental protocols.
• Support laboratory compliance and safety by assisting and contributing to the creation of Risk Assessments (RAs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Required educational qualification, experience, skills and competencies:

• Master's degree (for Research Associate) in cell biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology
• Candidate must have Minimum of 1 year of hands-on laboratory experience with organoid culture and stem cell maintenance
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and execute research plans
• Competent in observance, patience, resilience, and determination
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work independently and collaboratively to develop solutions and troubleshoot under strict timelines
• Highly meticulous with a strong attention to detail, excellent organizational, and time management skills
• Entry level candidates are welcome to apply

Hiring Institution:

LKC A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 33,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Engineering, Business, Science, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, and Graduate colleges. It also has a medical school, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, established jointly with Imperial College London. NTU is also home to world-class autonomous institutes - the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Earth Observatory of Singapore, and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering - and various leading research centres such as the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI) and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N). Ranked amongst the world’s top universities by QS, NTU has also been named the world’s top young university for the past seven years. The University’s main campus is frequently listed among the Top 15 most beautiful university campuses in the world and has 57 Green Mark-certified (equivalent to LEED-certified) buildings, of which 95% are certified Green Mark Platinum. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district. Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources.

For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg