Scientist (Synthetic Biology)

Temasek Polytechnic; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Singapore is seeking a Scientist in Synthetic Biology to conduct lab work related to various projects. Responsibilities include designing microbial strains, integrating data, optimizing fermentation processes, and supporting student projects. Candidates should have qualifications in related fields and relevant experience in metabolic engineering. A contract up to one year may be offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of relevant research work experience in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills for project proposals, reports, and publications.
• Good critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with attention to details.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer marker-free microbial strains using CRISPR/Cas.
• Integrate multi-omics data and apply Flux Balance Analysis (FBA).
• Optimize fermentation using waste-derived feedstocks.
• Develop automated workflows for culture monitoring and process scalability.
• Support student projects and handle project-related administrative tasks.
• Upkeep of laboratories and facilities.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Metabolic engineering

Synthetic biology

CRISPR/Cas

Data analysis

Education

Qualification in Bioinformatics, Computational Science, Molecular Biology

Job description

What the role is:

Scientist (Synthetic Biology)

What you will be working on:

The successful candidate will be responsible to carry out lab work related to synthetic biology (e.g. growth optimization based on DoE approaches), collate and analyse data from various collaboration labs for AI-ready analytics, develop automated workflows essential for biosynthetic gene cluster assembly, biocatalyst development, and feedstock production, etc. He/she will also implement automation and establish robust protocols for seamless transition from bench-scale synthetic biology research to biofoundry-scale applications. The job responsibilities will include the following:

• Design and engineer marker-free microbial strains using CRISPR/Cas and/or standardized DNA assembly for enhanced metabolite production.
• Integrate multi-omics data and apply Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) with synthetic regulatory tuning to identify bottlenecks and optimize metabolic pathways.
• Optimize fermentation using waste-derived feedstocks for cost-effective and sustainable cultivation.
• Develop automated workflows for culture monitoring, data acquisition, and process scalability.
• Support student projects, analyze data, compile reports, and handle project-related administrative tasks.
• Upkeep of laboratories/facilities which includes administrative and procurement duties

The candidate selected for the position may be offered up to a year’s contract.

What we are looking for:

• Qualification in Bioinformatics, Computational Science, Molecular Biology or in a related field
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of relevant research work experience in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology research.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills to deliver project proposals (scientific and non-scientific), SOPs, reports, and publications.
• Good critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others.

About Temasek Polytechnic

Established in 1990, Temasek Polytechnic (TP) is a leading institution of high learning nestled by the idyllic shores of Bedok Reservoir in Tampines. TP takes pride in equipping our students with lifelong skills and digital knowledge for a future of dynamic change. TP’s caring and vibrant culture is firmly rooted in our core values which drive a spirit of innovation, with a focus on industry, globalization and sustainability. “TP Cares” is our clarion call to ensure that our diverse community of learners has the opportunity to achieve their personal best, so that they can contribute meaningfully to the global community. Learner. Creator. Leader We envision the TP graduate as a values-led leader with vision, character and heart, excelling in the academic domain and beyond, and rising to the challenge of creating tomorrow.