Scientist, High-throughput Culturomics (GIS)

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

World-class research environment

Welcoming lab environment

Job summary

A leading research agency in Singapore is seeking a highly motivated individual with a PhD in Culturomics to develop innovative high-throughput techniques for studying microbial diversity. The role involves combining single-cell technologies and metagenomics to explore microbial interactions. A strong publication record and experience in technology development are preferred. Candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary research team in a world-class environment. Apply with a CV and research statement to Prof. Nagarajan via email.

Qualifications

• PhD in Culturomics is required.
• Candidates must have a strong publication track record.
• Significant experience in technology development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-throughput techniques to isolate and study microbial diversity.
• Combine single-cell dispensing technologies and genome-resolved metagenomics.
• Conduct research on microbial interactions and community assembly.

Skills

Culturomics

Technology development

Strong publication track record

Education

PhD

Job description

Job Description

We live in a microbial world with enormous genetic diversity and yet humanity’s relationship with microbes has been primarily adversarial, shaped by a small number of pathogenic species. As part of a National Research Foundation Investigatorship grant to the lab (https://www.nrf.gov.sg/grants/nrfi/), we are developing high-throughput techniques to isolate and study microbial diversity from a range of environmental (e.g., soil, sewage etc.) and human samples (e.g., stool, saliva etc.). We will combine single-cell dispensing technologies, genome-resolved metagenomics, flow-cytometry and raman spectroscopy to functionally interrogate strains, study microbial interactions and build in silico models of community assembly. Our goals are to identify microbes and their functions that contribute to colonization resistance in the gut and the environment against multi-drug resistant bacteria.

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, an 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 Culturomics
• Strong publication track record
• Candidates with significant experience in technology 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.