Retinal Gene Therapy Research Specialist

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

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.