Research Scientist (BPIS), IMCB

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Singapore seeks a dynamic Research Scientist with a PhD and hands-on experience in molecular cell biology and bioinformatics data analysis. The role involves supporting BioPharma Innovations and Solutions through laboratory assays and genomics data analysis, requiring expertise in iPSC work and programming in R and Python. Excellent communication and collaborative skills are essential for this multidisciplinary role.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of strong hands-on laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in working with induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs).
• Experience in DNA cloning and vector design.

Responsibilities

• Support the setup of in vitro & cell-based assays.
• Maintain and manage mammalian cell lines.
• Develop and validate in vitro models and assays.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics data analysis

Cell culture

Programming in R

Programming in Python

Genome editing (CRISPR)

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related discipline

Tools

RStudio

Bioconductor packages

Job description

Job Description & Requirement

We seek a dynamic PhD graduate with 1-2 years of experience with strong hands‑on laboratory experience in molecular cell biology, genomics & bioinformatics data analysis for the role of Research Scientist to support BioPharma Innovations and Solutions (BPIS), with a particular focus on both wet lab and bioinformatics data analysis for in house and collaborative projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Support BPIS in the setup of in vitro & cell‑based assays, including primary, secondary, and mechanistic assays for targets of interest.
• Maintain and manage a variety of mammalian cell lines, including induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). Execute iPSC cell differentiation protocols to generate neuronal, liver, and gut cell types. Ensure all cell culture work maintains high experimental quality, consistency, and reproducibility. Design, execute, and troubleshoot DNA cloning and vector development for gene expression and functional studies. Develop and validate stable, engineered cell lines for long‑term functional assays.
• Develop in vitro 2D & 3D (organoids, organ‑on‑chip) models and assays for in vitro developmental neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity assessments and other disease/target focused drug/genetic screening studies. Utilize both transient gene‑silencing approaches (siRNA/shRNA) and stable genome‑editing technologies (CRISPR‑based). Conduct in‑depth downstream functional and phenotypic assays to enable robust characterization of model systems and experimental outcomes.
• Execute a broad range of genomics workflows including whole‑genome, transcriptome, DNA methylation‑seq, ATAC‑seq, and ChIP‑seq by performing high‑quality sample and library preparation to support next‑generation sequencing studies relevant cellular models.
• Conduct end‑to‑end genomic data analyses using next‑generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines, including quality control, alignment, quantification, differential analysis, and data visualization. Develop and execute analytical workflows in R and Python, utilizing RStudio, Bioconductor packages for data processing, integration, and presentation.
• Integrate wet‑and‑dry‑lab workflows to generate high‑quality datasets, interpret findings, and contribute to hypothesis development for ongoing research programs. Prioritize and manage project tasks to ensure timely and high‑quality delivery of analytical outputs for key experiments and study milestones.
• Lead the development of new analytical approaches, contribute to research initiatives, and support manuscript preparation, presentations, and publication activities.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline, with demonstrated experience with strong hands‑on laboratory experience and bioinformatics data analysis.
• Solid hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, and quality control of multiple cell lines. Proficiency in working with induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and executing directed differentiation protocols and capability to establish and validate iPSC differentiated cell types, engineered or stable cell lines. Experience working with model systems such as zebrafish is an advantage.
• Strong technical experience is required in DNA cloning, vector design, and construct generation. Proficiency in both transient gene‑silencing approaches (siRNA/shRNA) and genome‑editing platforms (CRISPR/Cas systems).
• Proven experience in performing experiments and analysing genomics sequencing (WGS, WES), methylation‑specific DNA/RNA sequencing data (e.g. ATAC‑seq, MeDIP‑seq, WGBS, MeRIP‑seq, ChIP‑seq) is strongly preferred. Proficient in molecular & cell biological techniques (qPCR, western blotting and other quantification methods), immunofluorescence analysis, microscopy imaging and data analysis.
• Strong programming and data science capabilities with proficiency in R and Python, including experience developing reproducible pipelines and workflows for large‑scale genomic, transcriptomic data processing and analysis. Proficient in using a broad range of RStudio and Bioconductor packages.
• Demonstrated ability to structure analytical projects and codebases for robustness, scalability, version control, and reproducibility. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts and results clearly to multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong collaborative mindset and interpersonal skills, contributing to a diverse, open, and knowledge‑sharing team environment while working effectively with wet‑lab, clinical, and computational colleagues. Please contact Dr Lakshmanan Manikandan ([e-mail]) for further information.