Job Description

This position reports to Principal Investigator A/Prof Tan Soo Yong and interfaces with pathologists, scientists and industrial collaborators. A/Prof Tan’s research team in the Department of Pathology, National University of Singapore, currently works with a local start-up company MiRXES to develop AI-enabled molecular diagnostic/prognostic assay for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and other cancer subtypes. The team also works with Qritive, a local start-up company that provides artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solution to help doctors analyse microscope images and make disease diagnosis.

Exposure to the following Functional Areas:

• Development of workflow for AI-enabled molecular diagnostic and prognostic modalities
• Pathological laboratory skills such as sectioning and processing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) patient biopsies and immunohistochemical staining
• Research regulatory administration such as application for use of human tissue biopsies via DSRB, clearance of laboratory safety requirements via OSHE
• Research communications / dissemination through lab meetings, journal clubs and grants/manuscript preparation    

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Perform bioinformatic analysis and AI-enabled molecular diagnosis using microRNA expression profiling of DLBCL and other cancer subtypes (in collaboration with MiRXES Pte Ltd)
2. Assist in clinical validation of image analysis tools to enable AI-enabled clinical diagnosis (in collaboration with Qritive Pte Ltd)
3. Perform experiments relating to analysis of processed FFPE patient biopsies for development of AI-enabled molecular and image-based diagnostic modality
4. Assist PI in preparation of documents for submission to research regulatory board
5. Assist PI in organising lab meetings and journal clubs

Competencies that PDF will learn during fellowship stint:

1. Active participation in study conceptualisation, experiment design and development of workflow for AI applications
2. Transferable skillsets such as time management, teamwork, personal motivation, written and oral communication skills and leadership
3. Networking with both basic and clinical science researchers and -industrial partners overseeing bench-to-bedside product translation for clinical benefits
4. Experience in managing research regulatory requirements

Qualifications:

1. PhD in Life Science / Biomedical Science / Biology / Biotechnology / Bioinformatics / related fields, or PhD in Computer Science / Electrical & Computer Engineering / Computer Programming / related fields ;
2. Effective oral and written communication skills ;
3. Good team player ;
4. Strong research skills.

Proposed Development Plan

1. Technical Skills and Competencies Development of workflow to enable deep learning for AI-enabled molecular diagnostic/prognostic clinical modalities suing microRNA expression profiles, involving industrial partner MiRXES
   1. Outcomes To gain competency in development of workflow for AI -enabled molecular diagnosis/prognosis + Industrial experience (MiRXES)
   2. Training Duration 18 months
2. Technical Skills and Competencies Pathological Laboratory Skills (microtome sectioning, section processing, immunohistochemical staining)
   1. Outcomes To gain competency in performing independent experiments involving these histopathological skills
   2. Training Duration 2 months
3. Technical Skills and Competencies Preparation of documents for submission to NUHS research regulatory board such as OSHE and DSRB
   1. Outcomes To gain competency in assisting PI in preparation of duly completed application dossier for successful submission  
   2. Training Duration 1 month
4. Technical Skills and Competencies Involvement in clinical validation of image analysis tools to enable AI-enabled clinical diagnosis (in collaboration with Qritive Pte Ltd)
   1. Outcomes Develop workflow for management of large batch clinical validation + Industrial experience (Qritive)
   2. Training Duration 3 months    

Application Procedure: Please apply with your CV and contact details of 3 referees

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.     

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Department  Pathology