Research Fellow (RNA Biology)

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Singapore is seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow for its Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme. The successful candidate will engineer red blood cells for therapeutic applications, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in innovative bioscience projects. A strong background in Synthetic Biology and a Ph.D. in a related field are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with primary erythroid cultures or ex vivo RBC production.
• Proficiency in genetic construct design and transgene integration for erythroid cells.
• Strong record of high-impact, peer-reviewed international publications.

Responsibilities

• Analyze gene expression and genomic regulation of erythroid differentiation.
• Develop workflows for genetic modification of erythroid progenitors.
• Design and execute functional assays to assess therapeutic efficacy of engineered RBCs.

Skills

RBC Engineering

Synthetic Biology

Flow Cytometry

Genetic Construct Design

Research Excellence

Education

PhD in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, RNA Biology

Job description

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal

Your application will be processed only if you apply via NUS Career Portal

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme (TRP) at the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine is seeking talented postdoctoral or research fellows to join our team.

Synthetic Biology TRP – Research Fellow

The Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme (TRP) focuses on engineering red blood cells for therapeutic applications, including drug delivery, immune modulation, and gene therapy. We are developing novel erythrocyte-based platforms that leverage the unique properties of RBCs for synthetic biology and biomedical innovation.

We invite applications for a highly motivated Research Fellow (RF) to work closely with the Principal Investigator and a multidisciplinary team. The position is offered on an initial one-year contract, renewable subject to performance and funding. A Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, or a related field is required.

Key Responsibilities

1. RBC Genomics and TranscriptomicsAnalyze gene expression and genomic regulation of erythroid differentiation.
   Characterize key transcriptional and epigenetic programs governing RBC development and function.
   
2. RBC Engineering and Expression SystemsDevelop workflows for genetic modification of erythroid progenitors and immortalized RBC lines.
   Optimize lentiviral and non-viral gene delivery systems to express therapeutic payloads in RBCs.
   
3. Protein Loading and Display in RBCsEngineer red blood cells to load or surface-display proteins, peptides, or other biologics.
   Evaluate protein stability, localization, and bioactivity post-engineering.
   
4. RBC-based Therapeutic DevelopmentDesign and execute functional assays to assess therapeutic efficacy of engineered RBCs.
   Collaborate on in vivo models to evaluate biodistribution, immune responses, and pharmacodynamics.
   
5. Mentorship & Training
   • Supervise and mentor research assistants, graduate students, and undergraduate interns.
6. Additional Duties
   • Undertake other tasks assigned by the Principal Investigator or project leads as needed.

Qualifications

The applicant should:

• Hold a PhD in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, RNA Biology, or a related field.

Essential Qualifications & Attributes

Red Blood Cell Engineering Experience

• Hands-on experience with primary erythroid cultures, immortalized erythroid progenitor cell lines, or ex vivo RBC production systems.
• Skilled in flow cytometry, magnetic separation, and enucleation assays for erythroid lineage tracking and quality control.
• Familiarity with ethical guidelines and biosafety considerations in handling blood-derived materials and genetically modified cells.

Synthetic Biology Skills for RBC Platforms

• Proficiency in genetic construct design, vector engineering, and transgene integration for expression in erythroid cells.
• Experience with protein or nucleic acid loading strategies in mature RBCs or erythroid precursors.
• Competence in troubleshooting gene expression systems and optimizing yield, stability, and functional output of engineered RBCs.

Qualifications

Experimental Design & Execution

- Ability to design and conduct RNA/protein expression analyses, enzymatic assays, and studies of RNA chemical modifications.

Research Excellence

- Strong record of high‑impact, peer‑reviewed international publications.

Professional Qualities

- Independent, highly motivated, and detail‑oriented.

- Effective collaborator in multidisciplinary research environments.

Application

Remuneration will be commensurate to the candidate's qualifications and experience. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to

Ms Suhana Sulaiman, at [e-mail]

Formal application: Please submit your application, indicating job reference number and current/expected salary, supported by a detailed CV (including personal particulars, academic and employment history, complete list of publications/oral presentations and full contacts of 3 referees). Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.