Job Description

The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Fellow (Research Fellow) to join Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young’s Soft Nano-Biomaterials group (established Jan 2021). The group aims to characterize and recapitulate nanoscale extracellular matrix (ECM) properties of healthy and diseased tissues in order to better understand cellular behavior and clinical outcomes. Most diseases result in, or stem from, alterations in ECM, yet to-date, nanoscale properties of tissues are poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the tissue nanoenvironment poses a critical barrier to better understanding ECM-directed cellular behavior that can later be exploited for clinical applications.

The specific project in this call focuses on high resolution imaging of ex vivo tissue samples using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The newly hired fellow will utilize immunogold labeling with cryo-EM to characterize ECM at the nanoscale. Previous experience in cryo-EM and/or tissue handling techniques (e.g. microtome sectioning) are a plus, but training can be organized through the cryo-EM core if the candidate lacks experience. Tissue samples, coming from both healthy and diseased patients, will be obtained from clinical collaborators, making this project highly impactful. The fellow will develop an imaging platform that can be utilized across various disease models/tissue types, allowing for a widespread relevance in numerous biological contexts.

The MBI and NUS provide state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to EM and high-resolution imaging that will support the fellow in training, setup, and execution of the project.

Salary and benefits are commensurable to educational qualifications and working experience of the candidates.

Requirements

Candidates with a PhD in engineering, biology, biomedical sciences, or similar are encouraged to apply. They should have a strong background in ECM/tissue biology, electron microscopy, and image analysis. Prior knowledge of cryo-EM and/or tissue preparation are not a prerequisite, but can be advantageous. The candidate should possess excellent communication skills and engage in collaborative research in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

To Apply

Applications should be sent via email to Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young at biejly@nus.edu.sg. Application documents include: 1) a brief description of research interests and experience, and 2) a full CV, with the names and contacts (email addresses) of two to three references.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Engineering
Department: Biomedical Engineering