Research Fellow (Molecular Biologist)

Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for a committed, enthusiastic, and dependable Molecular Biologist in the Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The individual will contribute to the generation of gene therapy platform for inherited retinal degenerative diseases. The incumbent will be part of a cross-functional team focused on the construction and characterization of novel gene editing platforms for drug development. This person should have extensive experience in molecular cloning, gene editing, and assay development. The individual is expected to design AAV viral vectors, CRISPR/Cas9 tools, and cell-based assays with a high level of independence and scientific rigor. This person should be able to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of pertinent literature and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to efficiently communicate science.

Direct responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Design and construct AAV viral vectors using state-of-the-art molecular synthesis and cloning techniques
• Use CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tools to generate proof-of-concept data in vitro
• Develop and person PCR-based assays (qPCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, etc.) with high sensitivity and reproducibility
• Design and conduct cell-based assays (mammalian cell lines, iPSCs, etc.) for molecular screening and functional assessment of gene therapy prototypes
• Involvement in gene synthesis, cloning, plasmid/viral vector production, and bioanalytical assays for animal studies
• Responsible and accountable for the execution of experiments and coordination with CROs to perform analytical bioassays on test articles for gene therapy projects
• Ability to multitask and contribute to multiple projects under demanding timelines

Qualifications

• PhD in cellular and molecular biology, genetics, or related field
• Extensive experience in designing and hands-on cloning of gene expression plasmids with advance molecular biology skills (Gibson assembly, library construction, etc.)
• Proven track record of designing and utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tools for research projects
• In-depth experience in bioanalytical characterization of nucleic acid (DNA, RNA, oligos, etc.) with viral and/or non-viral delivery methods
• Experience in performing biodistribution or vector expression assays for viral or non-viral gene therapy candidates
• Proficiency in mammalian and stem cell culture, and aseptic cell culture techniques
• User experience with NGS technologies
• Previous experience in gene therapy drug development projects

How to apply

Please send your CV, with a short cover letter describing your interests, and 3 referee letters to xysu@imcb.a-star.edu.sg. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Covid-19 Message

At NUS, the health and safety of our staff and students are 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 a significant amount of physical interactions with students/staff/public members. Even for job roles that may be performed remotely, there will be instances where on-campus presence is required.

Taking into consideration the health and well-being of our staff and students and to better protect everyone in the campus, applicants are strongly encouraged to have themselves fully COVID-19 vaccinated to secure successful employment with NUS.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Department : Ophthalmology
Employee Referral Eligible: No
Job requisition ID : 17881