Opportunities

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) invites applications for the position of Research Fellow. 

 The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is a unique interdisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence (RCE), funded by National Research Foundation, Singapore Ministry of Education, Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore. Hosted by NTU in partnership with NUS, SCELSE is linking new insights from the life sciences with expertise from the emerging technologies in engineering and natural sciences to understand, harness and control microbial biofilm communities. SCELSE is seeking a highly motivated and capable Research Fellow to work on projects related to microbial communities from the skin. The work will require the candidate to be able to work with mixed species biofilms, as well as analysis of microbiome composition from clinical samples. This position is a lab-based position and involves working closely with industry collaborators.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct laboratory experiments
• Supervise research assistants and students
• Analyze raw data, prepare data for presentation, and prepare reports on the work
• Write research papers

Job Requirements:

• PhD in Microbiology, or a related subject
• Preference will be given to candidates with a working knowledge of biofilms.
• Experience with antimicrobial testing MIC, MBEC, etc.
• Experience in working with molecular methods such as qPCR, FISH and DNA manipulations including gene knockouts is desired.
• Experience working with one of the meta-omics methods (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics) and an overall knowledge of microbial metabolism are advantageous.
• Knowledge of microscopy methods (Confocal, SEM, etc.) is an advantage.
• Knowledge of skin microbiome research is desirable.
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and work to tight deadlines are essential. Excellent oral and written English communication skills are essential.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Interested candidates can apply here

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) invites applications for the position of Research Fellow.

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is a unique interdisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence (RCE), funded by National Research Foundation, Ministry of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and National University of Singapore (NUS). Hosted by NTU in partnership with NUS, SCELSE is linking new insights from the life sciences with expertise from emerging technologies in engineering and natural sciences to understand, harness and control microbial biofilm communities.

Key Responsibilities: 

Work within a team to achieve the key aims of the research project:

• Develop plans for independent research in the field of deep sea marine microplastics

• Acquire proficiency in discipline-specific knowledge and any new technical skills required by the project

• Provide guidance and mentorship to research assistants in planning, designing, and implementing field and laboratory based marine microbial projects

• Assist with organization and management of the research team

• Assist PI with any ad-hoc projects whenever necessary

Communicate research progress and outcome regularly:

• Prepare technical reports for the program PI and present data at regular group meetings.

• Take charge in leading manuscript preparation for scientific journals

• Present research at both internal and external conferences and meetings

Maintain open communication with colleagues:

• Regular communication, as needed, with principal investigators, collaborating colleagues, lab members, and NTU / SCELSE administrative staff

• Potentially serve as a postdoctoral representative, on a limited basis, on internal committees

Job Requirements:

• PhD in microbiology, or related field

• Specific expertise in marine microbiology. Additionally, some experience of performing bioinformatic and statistical analyses of ecological data is required

• Desired but not essential expertise microplastic identification using either Raman or FTIR

• A demonstrable record of presentations of research and generation of peer-reviewed publication

• Independent, self-motivated, resourceful and a good team player.

• Good communication and presentation skills

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Interested candidates should submit a current CV, a cover letter detailing research interests and how they might align with the project, and a list of three referees in their application to SCELSE-HR@ntu.edu.sg

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) invites applications for the position of Research Fellow.

We are looking for a research fellow to work on an exciting new project concerned with resource-recovery for hydrophobic bioproducts such as advanced fuels and value-added chemicals from municipal and food waste. Resource-recovery is enabled by application of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as an extractive solvent for hydrophobic bioproducts. ScCO2 is well-established as an environmentally-friendly extractive solvent for dilute products, with microbial sterilizing properties. I have previously led a team to established proof-of concept for use of scCO2 tolerant Bacillus strain SR7 (Bm_SR7) for bioproduct generation, separation and dehydration under a scCO2 headspace (Boock et al, Nat. Comm. 10(1):1-12,  2019; Freedman et al, 2018; Peet et al, 2015; US Patent # 10,941,379). In the current project, we will seek to model the metabolic networks of Bm_SR7 coupled with metabolomic characterization to identify factors limiting growth and product titers under elevated CO2 partial pressures. These studies will be the foundation for using a scCO2 compatible biocatalyst such as Bacillus SR7 for biotransformation and biomining of complex feedstocks in line with Singapore’s strategic goal towards a circular economy. The work will entail collaboration between laboratories at the Asian School of the Environment and the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), a research center of excellence.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Modify and validate existing protocols for anaerobic batch and continuous cultivation of model organism with variable pCO2.
• Conduct labelling experiments with C13 labelled substrates for metabolomic analysis
• Identify differentially active metabolic pathways under variable conditions through metabolic flux analysis
• Perform flux balance analysis using existing analysis pipelines; curate and validate existing genome scale metabolic models based on experimental observations; develop new analysis workflows as needed
• Identify and test media alterations to re-route metabolic fluxes to improve production of targeted metabolites
• Operating under Biosafety level 2 requirements
• Use of microscopy and other methods for quantification of biomass.
• Reporting findings through research seminars, articles
• Drafting of grant applications to continue the work
• Project-related laboratory management
• Supervision of undergraduate researchers who join the project

Job Requirements:

• A PhD (or MSc with 5 or more years research experience) in (bio)chemical engineering, biology, environmental engineering or related fields.
• Experience setting up and operating reactors that are pressurized or that contain biomass.
• Experience with wet lab techniques relevant to culturing and assessing environmental microbes.
• Experience with chemical analytical techniques for analysis of metabolites.
• Experience with metabolic modelling, a plus
• Curiosity driven, self-motivated, and can-do attitude
• Ability to effectively communicate well within a multidisciplinary, and international team.
• Creative problem-solving skills are essential.
• Potential to work independently using own initiative.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is a unique interdisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence (RCE), funded by National Research Foundation, Singapore Ministry of Education, Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore. Hosted by NTU in partnership with NUS, SCELSE is linking new insights from the life sciences with expertise from the emerging technologies in engineering and natural sciences to understand, harness and control microbial biofilm communities.

SCELSE hosts a genome sequencing facility with multiple state-of-the-art instruments generating petabytes of data every year and is supported by a high-performance computing (HPC) system and multi-petabytes high-performance data storage system. The facility includes Illumina instruments (MiSeq, HiSeq, HiSeqX), Oxford Nanopore instruments (MinION, PromethION), and a PacBio instrument (PacBio RSII).

SCELSE seeks a bioinformatics Research Assistant who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the genome sequencing laboratory’s IT infrastructure. A solid understanding of genomics sequencing concepts and technologies, familiarity with common bioinformatics analysis tools and data analysis approaches are required for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day operation of the genome sequencing laboratory’s IT infrastructure
• Providing technical support, which includes managing instrument’s raw data and subsequent post-processing, configuring and maintaining sequencing instruments, supporting the wet-lab team, and troubleshooting technical issues
• Providing analytical support, which includes benchmarking new methods/protocols or bioinformatics tools, providing technical assessment on new advancements in genomics, and providing data analysis recommendations to other bioinformatics team members

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3 years of experience in a bioinformatics role with relevant technical, user support, or project experience
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in the management and handling of next-gen sequencing instrument data (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and/or PacBio) and subsequent data processing
• Strong understanding of genomics and bioinformatic concepts needed to support the analysis of next-gen sequencing data
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in bioinformatics data analysis, e.g., sequence alignment, genome assembly, metagenomics analysis
• Strong understanding of basic IT infrastructure knowledge, e.g., operating system, networking, data storage
• Competence in R, Perl, Python or other scripting language appropriate for bioinformatic analyses
• Experience in using high-performance computing is a plus
• Experience in wet-lab molecular biology techniques is a plus
• Strong project management skills
• Strong analytical skills and meticulous attitude
• Able to work independently or in a team with minimal supervision
• Good communication, writing and presentation skills

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae that includes a cover letter describing their research experience, interests, and submit it through SCELSE-HR@ntu.edu.sg

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is a unique interdisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence (RCE), funded by National Research Foundation, Ministry of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and National University of Singapore (NUS). Hosted by NTU in partnership with NUS, SCELSE is linking new insights from the life sciences with expertise from emerging technologies in engineering and natural sciences to understand, harness and control microbial biofilm communities.

Our organization is seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Manager to lead our Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) lab. The successful candidate will have a strong background in NGS library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis. A successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the NGS lab’s day-to-day operations, including managing NGS research projects, providing technical expertise on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, and supervising a team of lab technicians. Additionally, the NGS Lab/Project Manager will oversee the transfer of sequencing data to on-site computer storage. Strong leadership qualities are required to manage and advise co-workers, as well as to oversee their training and development. The NGS project manager will also lead the SCELSE business development team for genomic services and will interact with existing and future industry partner organisations.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership/Management of the NGS lab

• Oversee and manage NGS research projects to ensure all samples processed meet high-quality standards

• Work closely with SCELSE’s research groups and external collaborators to support their sequencing projects by serving as the primary contact to provide information for NGS services (pricing, turnaround time, and technical enquiries)

• Ensure all team members are properly trained, adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and report results to the team for record-keeping

• Actively look to optimize, refine, and enhance the NGS workflow, including validating new NGS library preparation kits and sequencers

• Managing sequencing requests by generating quotations and providing submission documents

• Ensure proper approval and documentation are in place upon sample submission from internal requesters

• Sending DOs to NTU and external requesters for acknowledgment, and forwarding signed DOs to NGS Facility Manager to trigger billing and payment process

• Communicate with key PIs/collaborators by providing regular updates on major projects

• Oversee and manage the workflow of 3 -5 co-workers and to advise them on day-to-day operations

• Head the SCELSE business development team for genomic services and interact with industry partner organisations

• Conduct lab tours for NTU/SCELSE visitors

Laboratory Operations

• Lead NGS team meetings on the progress of current sequencing projects, and informing of new sequencing submissions
• Communicate with the NGS Facility Manager to ensure equipment and consumables are available for sequencing requests
• Identify problems that may affect the NGS workflow, take corrective action, and notify team members
• Provide technical expertise in Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, including library construction, sequencing, and quality control of data generated

Management of NGS data

• Troubleshooting any quality and/or technical issues related to sequencing data
• Work closely with HPC team to ensure sequencing data links are generated and data are delivered to researchers
• Provide bioinformatic support for external research projects

Job Requirements:

• Master’s or PhD in biological sciences, genomics, bioinformatics or related field
• At least 5 years of experience in managing an NGS lab, with experience in Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing
• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering high-quality sequencing data on time and on budget
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and inventory
• Proficiency in NGS data analysis
• Experience in preparing and submitting grant proposals is a plus

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. 

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is a unique interdisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence (RCE), funded by National Research Foundation, Ministry of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and National University of Singapore (NUS). Hosted by NTU in partnership with NUS, SCELSE is linking new insights from the life sciences with expertise from emerging technologies in engineering and natural sciences to understand, harness and control microbial biofilm communities.

Our organization is seeking an experienced NGS Facility Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our NGS facility. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing a NGS team whom will be responsible for incoming NGS samples from various collaborators following a series of NGS workflow including samples and libraries quality control, using different types of library preparation and processing them on different sequencing platforms. The candidate will also be responsible to ensure all the team members are properly trained and performed their work according to standard operating procedures and understanding the risk assessments involving in different aspect of the sequencing workflow. He/She will be involved in continuously seeking and testing new library preparation protocols in the markets for RNA and DNA samples. Further tasks include sequencing cost calculation, sourcing and procuring lab consumables, reagents and equipment for the next generation sequencing laboratory and attending to any related matters with vendors. Operate and maintain liquid handling devices (Agilent Bravo Automation Liquid Handling and Tapestation 4200) is a further key responsibility of this position. Additionally, the NGS Facility Manager must ensure all sequencing projects are completed in a timely manner and continuously in producing good and high-quality data.

Key Responsibilities:

Management of the NGS facility

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) lab and communicate with all team members on the logistics/ duties for the NGS workflow

• Ensure that all team members are properly trained, adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reporting of results to the team for record-keeping

• Manage and maintaining of the standard operating procedures (SOP) and risk assessment (RA) documentations for the NGS facility.

• Actively looking to optimise, refine, and enhance the NGS workflow – validating new NGS library preparation kits and sequencers

• Troubleshooting any technical issues related to NGS sample processing, library preparation, and sequencing

• Operating and providing technical expertise in Illumina Platforms (Miseq, HiseqX and NovaSeq6000)

• Ensure that the NGS facility operates in compliance with all relevant safety and regulatory requirements

• Oversee and manage the workflow of 3 -5 technical assistance and to advise them on day-to-day operations

Upkeep of NGS lab facility, maintenance of equipment, and consumables inventory

• Coordinate and maintaining of lab instruments such as Quantstudio 3, Illumina sequencers, Bravo Automation Liquid Handling and Agilent 4200 Tapestation- keeping track of period contracts, setting up service contracts, scheduling preventive maintenance (PM)

• Keep track, source and procure lab consumables, reagents and equipment for the next generation sequencing laboratory and resolve any disputes with vendors

• Maintain proper records for assets and ensure all assets are accounted for during audits

• Manage the NGS inventory, income and expenditures

Financial Management

• Communicate with finance department upon completion of sequencing projects for invoicing and payment

• Maintain proper records for assets and ensure all assets are accounted for during audits

• Creating/submitting ITQ/tender documents to procurement for period and service contracts

• Updating the costs of reagents and consumables yearly and preparing the cost calculations for the following years’ sequencing requests

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as biology, biochemistry, or genetics.

• At least 5-8 years of experience working in an NGS facility or related field.

• Experience with Illumina platforms (Miseq, HiSeq 2500 and HiSeq X, or NovaSeq 6000) sequencing.

• Experience with different types of library preparation protocols for RNA and DNA samples.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

• Knowledge of relevant safety and regulatory requirements.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.