Research Officer/Research Assistant (Cellular Agriculture)

Esco Aster; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biosolutions firm in Singapore is seeking an individual for a role focused on the large-scale production of cultured chicken. The ideal candidate has 1-2 years' experience in lab settings with a strong background in microbiology or cell biology, proficiency in pipetting and cell culture techniques, as well as strong communication skills. Responsibilities include performing cell culture, preparing solutions, and ensuring product quality. This position offers the chance to contribute to innovative biosolutions in a rapidly evolving field.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of related laboratory experience.
• Microbiology or Cell biology background.
• Good pipetting skills and experience with automation.
• Strong computer skills and organizational abilities.
• Excellent communication and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture focusing on chicken embryo cells.
• Prepare solutions and culture media for production.
• Analyze cell metabolites and medium components.
• Document work clearly and provide project updates.
• Liaise with vendors for testing and materials procurement.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Mammalian cell culture

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Excel proficiency

Teamwork

Education

BSc in Biology or related science

Tools

Cell culture media preparation

Job description

Join us for the world we are making, redefining biosolutions for current and future generations to come, transcending planetary boundaries, sustainability, and One Health.

One World Biosolutions for One Health

Esco Lifesciences Group is Singapore’s most globalized life sciences company, with annual revenues close to SGD 200M and global operations in over 42 locations and 26 direct countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania. Esco Aster Pte Ltd is an affiliate of Esco Lifesciences Group and was first incorporated in 2017. Esco Aster is a contract research development and manufacturing organization founded and deeply rooted by scientists enabling fellow scientists to translate their bench work into commercially available products at affordable prices. Our scientific work is in emerging and frontier biology utilizing cells as a final product or deriving products from cells which often we use cells as the factory to derive our target product. Our first commercial breakthrough success is Esco Aster being commercially first in class, being first in the world to be certified for cultivated/cell-based meat to FSSC 22000 and by a competent food regulatory body. We are first in the region to operate an end-to-end integrated full cell line creation/immortalization or engineered cell line, cell culture process development, analytical development for stem cells and exosomes with full cGMP capabilities from Drug Substance and small-scale fill & finish for final Cell Therapy Product. The work we do creates a remarkable and lasting impact on our world. We offer you an opportunity to be part of this exciting journey to own your career and firsthand exposure to new emerging modalities supporting translational sciences. Join us as we redefine BioSolutions for One World and One Health for the current and future generations to come.

Who we’re looking for

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret scientific data and publications.
• Ability to author or review protocols, technical reports and technology transfer documents.
• Ability to author or review standard operating procedures and other related documents.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Ability to focus.
• Repetitive motions due to certain laboratory techniques.
• Ability to adapt and keep up with rapid changes in a fluid and dynamic environment as this is a rapidly evolving space.

The Scope

This role requires the individual to be involved in large scale production of “cultured chicken” through cell culture of a certain fibroblastic cell line. The production will be undertaken in a facility compliant with the SFA guidelines and thus requires practices that are rigorous and consistent with these guidelines. Continuous batch production of the cultured chicken and ensuring consistent quality of the product is of utmost importance.

Primary work location: Ayer Rajah, Singapore

Reports to: Bioprocess Scientist – Cellular Agriculture

Job Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture – focus on chicken embryo cells.
• Prepare solutions and culture media (small scale as well as large scale).
• Perform analysis of cell metabolites, medium components, etc. by Bioanalysis.
• Good troubleshooting ability with cell lines.
• Work independently and efficiently.
• Document work clearly and perform tests accurately.
• Communicate effectively with client staff members and provide updates on the progress of the project.
• Liaise with vendors and third party testing labs to procure materials and obtain test results in a timely manner.
• Support product and service sales in application, marketing content and quotations.
• Undertake tasks assigned by Team leader as and when appropriate.
• Undertake other tasks as assigned based on project needs.
• Be involved and contribute to creation of protocols and technical reports.

Requirements

• At least 1-2 years related laboratory experience including aseptic and mammalian cell culture techniques
• Microbiology/Cell biology background
• General laboratory skills, good pipetting skills and experience with automation
• Experience using formulas and linking spreadsheets in Excel
• Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
• A friendly and pleasant disposition
• BSC graduate in Biology or related science and 1-2 years mammalian cell culture experience