Research Fellow (OR/NBD/CM)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore, through the Duke-NUS Medical School's Office of Research, seeks a Research Fellow to advance neurodegeneration studies in Parkinson's disease at Outram Campus, Singapore.

The role involves independent project design, experimental execution, manuscript writing, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Applicants should have a PhD and a strong publication record and be capable of mentoring students and junior researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent medical degree with at least 3 years of relevant research experience.
• Entry level candidates may be considered.
• Proven high-impact publications in relevant fields.
• Strong writing, critical thinking and presentation skills.
• Independent researcher with ability to work in a team.
• Ability to mentor students and research assistants.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute experiments within the project scope.
• Write and review research papers; present outcomes; develop new ideas.
• Support external grant/protocol development and study planning.
• Contribute to educational activities and project management.
• Mentor undergraduate/medical students and research assistants.
• Maintain progress of experiments in the lab.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work.

Skills

Strong writing

Critical thinking

Communication

Team player

Independent researcher

Education

PhD or equivalent medical degree

Job description

Job Title: Research Fellow (OR/NBD/CM)

University-Level Unit: Duke-NUS Medical School

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Office of Research

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Outram Campus

Posting Start Date: 20/08/2026

Job Description

The Signature Research Programme in Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders (NBD) is focused on understanding the structure and function of the nervous system, and the neural mechanisms underlying human neurological, psychiatric and ophthalmological disorders.

The laboratory of Dr Mian Cao is looking for young scientists with strong enthusiasm and interest in neurodegeneration research, particularly in molecular and cellular mechanisms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Genetic studies have recently identified several PD-linked proteins that are involved in endocytic trafficking at the synapse, suggesting impaired synaptic transmission in an early feature of PD. The long term goal of the laboratory is to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of PD and reveal potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of PD.

The selected candidate will perform a variety of research activities which include planning, organising and conducting research studies within the overall scope of a research project under the supervision of the Principal Investigator or his/her designate, including but not limited to the following:

• Independently carry out the design and execution of experimental research required by the research component of the project.
• Write and review research papers, present research outcomes, conceptualise new ideas and develop plans for independent research which could have a considerable influence and impact on the relevant field attracting research funding.
• Provide support for external grant/protocol development, study design and management of research activities.
• Contribute to occasional educational/instructional activities and project management.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to undergraduate/medical students and research assistants.
• Maintain optimal experiment progress in the laboratory or in the research work undertaken.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described therein.

Job Requirements

• PhD and/or post-graduate medical degree with at least 3 years’ relevant research experience and training.
• Entry level candidates may also be considered.
• Knowledge of the scientific background relevant to the research area and laboratory experimental skills, where applicable.
• Proven track record in the form of high impact publications.
• Demonstrated capability of research independence progressively.
• Strong writing and critical thinking skills, as well as good communication and presentation skills.
• A team player who is able to prioritise, multi-task and work collaboratively in a diverse workforce.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.