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

• 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

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 will be learned

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

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

Proposed Development Plan

1a. 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

1b. Outcomes

To gain competency in development of workflow for AI -enabled molecular diagnosis/prognosis + Industrial experience (MiRXES)

1c. Training Duration

18 months

2a. Technical Skills and Competencies

Pathological Laboratory Skills (microtome sectioning, section processing, immunohistochemical staining)

2b. Outcomes

To gain competency in performing independent experiments involving these histopathological skills

2c. Training Duration

2 months

Proposed Development Plan

3a. Technical Skills and Competencies

Preparation of documents for submission to NUHS research regulatory board such as OSHE and DSRB

3b. Outcomes

To gain competency in assisting PI in preparation of duly completed application dossier for successful submission 

3c. Training Duration

1 month

4a. Technical Skills and Competencies

Involvement in clinical validation of image analysis tools to enable AI-enabled clinical diagnosis (in collaboration with Qritive Pte Ltd)

4b. Outcomes

Develop workflow for management of large batch clinical validation + Industrial experience (Qritive)

4c. Training Duration

3 months

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Department : Pathology
Employee Referral Eligible: No