RNA Biology Research Assistant — Lab Setup & Signalling

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Assistant role in RNA biology and cancer research. The successful candidate will support experimental planning, perform molecular biology experiments, and help establish a new lab workflow.

Work will involve CRISPR editing, RNA analyses, microscopy, sample processing and documentation, contributing from early lab setup through routine operations within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.
• Relevant research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, RNA biology or cancer biology would be advantageous.
• Basic laboratory experience in cell culture, PCR/qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, Western blotting, cloning or microscopy is preferred.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, RNA-related techniques or fluorescence/confocal microscopy would be advantageous.
• Experience in laboratory setup, equipment commissioning, inventory management or laboratory operations would be an advantage.
• Good understanding of laboratory safety and research practices.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Good organisational, time-management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and conducting laboratory experiments under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and research team.
• Perform molecular and cell biology experiments relating to RNA biology and metabolite signalling, including mammalian cell culture, RNA/DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning and Western blotting.
• Support reporter assays, CRISPR/Cas‑based genome editing, gene perturbation and validation studies.
• Conduct experiments on ALAS1 expression, localisation and filament formation, and its relationship with cellular porphyrin levels and RNA regulation.
• Assist with fluorescence microscopy, confocal imaging, biochemical assays and studies of RNA‑protein or RNA‑small molecule interactions.
• Prepare samples for RNA sequencing, transcriptomic analysis, RNA structural profiling, metabolomics and other downstream applications.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, protocols and research data; analyse and document results under the research team’s guidance.
• Assist in troubleshooting experiments and optimising protocols.
• Conduct literature searches and contribute to presentations, reports, manuscripts and other research outputs.

Skills

Molecular biology

Lab techniques

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Independent work

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related

Tools

CRISPR/Cas

Confocal microscopy

PCR/qPCR

Job description

The Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Assistant role in RNA biology and cancer research. The successful candidate will support experimental planning, perform molecular biology experiments, and help establish a new lab workflow.

Work will involve CRISPR editing, RNA analyses, microscopy, sample processing and documentation, contributing from early lab setup through routine operations within a