Research Officer - Retinal Gene Therapy, IMCB

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research is seeking a Research Officer to support translational retinal gene therapy projects. The role involves in vivo rodent studies, ocular dosing, tissue analysis, and molecular assays within a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate holds a BSc or MSc in a relevant life sciences field and has hands-on experience with rodent models and ocular techniques, alongside histology, imaging and basic molecular biology skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Pharmacology, Veterinary Sciences, Neuroscience, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with rodent models (dosing, anesthesia, tissue dissection).
• Experience with ocular procedures (subretinal/intravitreal injections) or ophthalmic imaging is advantageous.
• Histology & Imaging: tissue fixation, sectioning, immunofluorescence, fluorescence/confocal imaging.
• Molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Western blot, ELISA; familiarity with viral vectors (AAV/lentivirus) is a plus.
• Strong communication and collaboration within a translational team.

Responsibilities

• Execute and support in vivo studies using rodent models to evaluate viral gene therapy vectors and efficacy.
• Perform animal handling, health monitoring, systemic/ocular dosing and ocular tissue harvesting.
• Process ocular tissues for paraffin/cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence; perform image analysis.
• Carry out downstream assays (qPCR/ddPCR, Western blot, ELISA) for therapeutic evaluation.
• Support primary retinal cell cultures or relevant cell lines to evaluate vector batches.
• Maintain meticulous lab notebooks, inventory, and ensure compliance with IACUC and biosafety regulations.
• Analyze data, compile progress reports, and present updates during team meetings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s (BSc) or Master’s (MSc/M.Tech) in Biological Sciences or related field

Tools

Ocular imaging

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to join our laboratory as a Research Officer. The successful candidate will support translational research focused on retinal gene therapy and disease modelling. This role will involve in vivo rodent studies, preclinical gene therapy evaluation, ocular drug administration, micro-dissection, and downstream histological and molecular validation. The candidate will work closely within a multidisciplinary team spanning molecular biology, viral vector technology, and translational ocular therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• In Vivo Rodent Studies: Execute and support in vivo studies using rodent models of retinal disease to evaluate viral gene therapy vectors and therapeutic efficacy.
• Ocular Procedures & Dosing: Perform animal handling, routine health monitoring, systemic/ocular dosing (e.g., intravitreal or subretinal injections, or willingness to undergo micro-injection training), and precise ocular tissue harvesting/micro-dissection.
• Histological & Morphological Characterization: Process ocular tissues for paraffin/cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative confocal microscopy/image analysis to track vector transduction, transgene expression, and structural rescue.
• Molecular & Biochemical Assays: Carry out downstream assays (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR for biodistribution and vector copy number, Western blotting, ELISA) to support therapeutic evaluation.
• In Vitro Support: Assist with primary retinal cell cultures or relevant cell lines to evaluate vector batches and transgene expression as needed.
• Data Management & Lab Operations: Maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks, experimental records, inventory of vectors/reagents, and ensure compliance with institutional animal ethics (IACUC) and biosafety regulations.
• Collaboration & Reporting: Analyze experimental data, compile progress reports, and present updates during team meetings.

Job Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s (BSc) or Master’s (MSc/M.Tech) degree in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Pharmacology, Veterinary Sciences, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Animal Work Experience: Hands-on experience working with rodent models, including standard handling, restraint, dosing (IP, IV, or SC), anesthesia, and tissue dissection. Prior experience in ocular procedures (subretinal/intravitreal injections) or ophthalmic imaging (e.g., OCT, fundus imaging, ERG) is strongly advantageous.
• Histology & Imaging: Practical experience in tissue fixation, sectioning, immunofluorescence staining, and fluorescence/confocal imaging.
• Molecular Biology Skills: Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Western blot, ELISA). Prior exposure to viral vectors (AAV/lentivirus) is a plus.
• Soft Skills: High attention to detail, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic translational team.