Scientist, Project GLOW (GIS)

A*STAR Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR Research in Singapore is seeking a Scientist for Project GLOW, focusing on the interplay between microbiome and mental health. The role involves developing cutting-edge computational methods and conducting population-scale studies.

Candidates should possess a PhD in Computational Metagenomics and have a strong publication track record, preferably with experience in algorithm development. This position offers an internationally competitive remuneration package within a world-class research environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Metagenomics required.
• Strong publication record is essential.
• Experience in algorithm development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct population-scale study on microbiome and mental health.
• Develop computational methods for genome-resolved metagenomics.
• Leverage multi-omics datasets for research.

Skills

Computational Metagenomics

Algorithm Development

Publication Track Record

Education

PhD

Job description

Job Title: Scientist, Project GLOW (GIS)

Requisition ID: 1618

Posting Start Date: 10/04/2026

Job Description

Background: Project GLOW (https://www.npm.sg/glow-gut-linked-outcomes-in-wellbeing/ ) is part of the national precision medicine program in Singapore with a focus on microbiome and mental health. This will be a population-scale study (>5,000 study participants), leveraging the latest advances in long-read metagenomics (PacBio HiFi, ONT, CycloneSeq etc) and untargeted metabolomics, as well as host multi-omics datasets and deep phenotyping (particularly mental health-related) to study how gut microbes may impact our mental well-being. This will also be an opportunity to develop the next-generation of computational methods for genome-resolved metagenomics, intra-host diversity analysis, strain-level phenotypic associations, metagenome-scale metabolic modelling and host-microbe interaction studies.

Nagarajan Lab: The laboratory of metagenomic technologies and microbial systems (MTMS) is a hybrid lab that synergizes our capabilities in wet and dry-lab research. We are based out of the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS, A*STAR), leveraging the academic strengths of a globally-leading university (NUS) and the innovation and industry focus of A*STAR (GIS). At NUS, we are affiliated with the School of Medicine and the School of Computing, providing the perfect setting for exciting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of these two areas.

Why Singapore?: Singapore is a highly cosmopolitan city-state at the cross-roads of Asia with one of the highest standards of living in the world. We provide an internationally competitive remuneration package, a world-class research environment, the opportunity to contribute to global science from an Asian perspective, and a lab environment that is welcoming to all backgrounds and nationalities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Metagenomics
• Strong publication track record
• Candidates with significant experience in algorithm development will be preferred

How to Apply

Please e-mail your CV (with contact details of 2 or more referees) and a statement of research interests (1-2 pages) to Prof. Niranjan Nagarajan ([e-mail]). Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via e-mail for interviews in Q1 2026.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.