Research Officer, Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics (GIS)

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution in Singapore is seeking two highly motivated Research Officers to develop next-generation sustainable biomanufacturing platforms. Candidates will gain experience in cell culture, protein engineering, and molecular biology. Ideal applicants hold a BSc or MSc in relevant fields and possess hands-on experience in cell culture and protein analysis. Strong collaboration and analytical skills are required. Interested candidates should apply through the provided contact email.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture is highly encouraged.
• Genuine interest in a research career is essential.
• Prior experience with protein hydrolysis, and DNA/RNA purification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Culturing mammalian cell lines and maintaining them.
• Assessing bioactivity of protein hydrolysates.
• Designing and expressing protease variants.

Skills

Cell culture

Protein engineering

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc or MSc in Biological Sciences, Food Science or related field

Tools

SDS-PAGE

Western blot

PCR

Job description

We are seeking two highly motivated Research Officers to join a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation sustainable biomanufacturing platforms for alternative protein and synthetic biology applications.

Successful candidates will gain valuable cross-disciplinary expertise in cell culture, enzyme discovery, protein design, molecular cloning, and functional bioassays, contributing to Singapore's leadership in alternative protein and synthetic biology innovation.

Cell culture

• Culturing mammalian cell lines (porcine, human lines)
• Regular maintenance and upscaling of mammalian cell lines for downstream studies
• Familiarity with cell-based assays using porcine cell lines

Functional Testing and Characterization of Protein Hydrolysates

• Assess bioactivity of engineered peptides/proteins hydrolysates in mammalian cell culture using light/confocal microscopy, RT-qPCR, SDS-PAGE, western blot
• Physiochemical characterization of protein hydrolysates (pH, osmolality, solubility, viscosity, color, peptide profiling)

Protein Engineering & Molecular Biology

• Design, clone, and express proteases/polymerase variants in bacterial/ yeast and mammalian systems
• Perform mutagenesis, recombinant expression, purification, IVTT, activity validation
• Conduct SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and enzyme kinetic assays

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain reagent stocks, plasmid inventories, and culture collections.
• Ensure biosafety compliance and maintain detailed experimental records.
• Assist in manuscripts, report preparation and data presentations for funding agencies.

Requirements

• BSc or MSc in Biological Sciences, Food Science or related field
• Genuine interest in a research career
• A team player with strong work ethics to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Prior hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture, protein hydrolysis, PCR, DNA/RNA purification, SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, and immunofluorescence is highly encouraged
• Strong analytical skills, meticulous documentation, and ability to multitask across parallel projects
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Interested candidates are asked to send a cover letter detailing your research motivations, CV, and the names and email addresses of three references to Dr Larry Loo ([e-mail])

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.