Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for the position of Research Assistant in Associate Professor Matt Kemp’s newly established laboratory in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is dedicated to providing excellent and affordable care to patients. This mission is driven tirelessly by a staff united by a common identity – to support patient care through best-in-class medical practices informed by insights from cutting-edge clinical and translational research. Further information about the Department, its staff, and its areas of clinical and research expertise may be found at:

https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/obgyn/index.html

Preterm birth, being born before 37 weeks’ gestation, is the leading cause of early childhood death and disability in Singapore today. A/Prof Kemp’s laboratory is focused on improving outcomes for premature babies and their families. The laboratory is establishing a variety of in-vivo and in-vitro research platforms, with a focus on minimally-invasive fetal diagnostics, personalized therapeutics, and biological processes underpinning adverse fetal outcomes.

Purpose of the post

The research staff will be responsible to, and work closely with, A/Prof Matt Kemp in the executing the laboratory’s research program. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with, and support the efforts of laboratory members (Scientists, PhD, MSc and Hons students) and contribute to the operation of the Department’s laboratory infrastructure generally. The principal role will be laboratory analyses, large animal (sheep) ventilation and surgery, and assistance with establishing an artificial placenta laboratory.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will liaise with the relevant personnel in the laboratory and the Department to assist A/Prof Kemp in the operation of his laboratory. The RA will be able to:

1. Oversee the general administration of laboratory ordering, administration and compliance with OH&S requirements; 
2. Provide administrative and secretarial support to the laboratory, such as organizing regular meetings to maintain regular communication with other members of the research team and collaborators;
3. Contribute to the day to day running of the laboratory including the analysis of samples, ordering of equipment and consumables, execution of in-vitro and in-vivo experiments;
4. Conduct literature searches, using SPSS to enter data, and analyse data and maintain records of research data generated by the laboratory;
5. Maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and record keeping in accordance with policies and procedures; 
6. Assist with any other duties of a similar nature that are delegated by the PI.

Qualifications

The applicant should:

• Have a first degree with good results, or a MBBS or degree in medical technology, medical sciences or a related field; preferably with some experience in bench research and laboratory management. Candidates with surgical and ventilation experience in  the pregnant sheep model (including fetal surgery and ultrasound interventions) would be highly competitive;
• be able to work independently and in a team, have an investigative nature, attention to detail;
• have knowledge of computer applications, e.g. SPSS, MS office, PowerPoint;
• be willing to travel internationally to undertake field work and to work outside of business hours and/or overtime during peak study periods; and
• have experience in core wet-laboratory techniques including PCR (sample preparation, QC/quantification, cycling, analysis); immunoblotting (protein extraction, quantification, preparation, western blotting / blot overlays); cell culture (primary and/or immortalized cell lines); histology (immunohistochemistry preparation, fluorescence microscopy).

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. For additional queries please feel free to contact A/Prof Kemp directly. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

COVID-19 Message

At NUS, the health and safety of our staff and students is one of our utmost priorities and COVID-vaccination supports our commitment to ensure the safety of our community and to make NUS as safe and welcoming as possible. Many of our roles require significant amount of physical interactions with student / staff / public members. Even for job roles that can be performed remotely, there will be instances where on-campus presence is required.

With effect from 15 January 2022, based on Singapore’s legal requirements, unvaccinated workers will not be able work at the NUS premises. As such, we regret to inform that job applicants need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for successful employment with NUS.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Department : Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Employee Referral Eligible: No
Job requisition ID : 10068