Research
We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Research Associate (High-Throughput Sequencing Laboratory)
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 (Singapore), 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 emerging technologies in engineering and natural sciences to understand, harness and control microbial biofilm communities and microbiomes.
- SCELSE is looking for a highly motivated individual to join us as a research assistant in the high-throughput sequencing team to assist with the daily operations of SCELSE’s state-of-the-art sequencing facility.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Quality control of incoming DNA and RNA samples
- Receiving and processing (DNA/RNA extraction) of biological samples for next-generation sequencing
- Manual and automated library construction for various sequencing platforms
- Implementation of new protocols and protocol optimization
- Quality control of finished libraries by real time PCR
- Setting-up of sequencing runs and operation of the latest state-of-the-art sequencing instruments
- Tracking of samples, reagents, and sequencing data through a LIMS system
- Troubleshooting and correction of suboptimal results under the guidance of scientific staff
- General laboratory and instrument maintenance
- Consumables supply management
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related life sciences field and/or combination of education and experience
- Strong background in Genomics and Molecular Biology required
- Solid knowledge and hands-on experience with molecular biological methods such as handling of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), enzymatic manipulation of nucleic acids, PCR and qPCR required
- Hands-on experience with library preparation and/or operation of next-generation sequencing platforms would be an advantage
- Hands-on experience with liquid handling platforms would be highly valued
- Desire and ability to learn and adapt to rapidly changing protocols and technologies
- A high level of attention to detail is mandatory
- Ability to work with large number of samples
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
- Excellent organizational, documentation and communication 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 to SCELSE-HR@ntu.edu.sg
Research Assistant (Bioinformatics Support)
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
Research Fellow (Skin Microbiome)
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
Research Fellow (Microbiology/c-di-GMP signalling and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pathogenesis)
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 and microbiomes.
The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) invites applications for the position of Research Fellow.
We are seeking a creative, independent, and enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher to investigate mechanisms of bacterial signaling and communication during lifestyle transition between planktonic and biofilm, notably during infection. The candidate will work with an integrated team of microbiologists, biochemists, cell biologists, and clinicians to define the mechanisms by which Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative pathogen, triggers a multitude of phenotypic adaptation, including motility, attachment, or exopolysaccharide matrix production. The biofilm transition results in an antibiotic tolerant bacterial community. One key second messenger involves in this adaptive process is c-di-GMP. P. aeruginosa involves dozens of makers (diguanylate cyclase, DGC) or breakers (phosphodiesterase, PDE) to modulate the intracellular concentration so that at high c-di-GMP level the biofilm forms. The project will involve deciphering and controlling the c-di-GMP network to prevent or disperse P. aeruginosa biofilms in various contexts, including during ecological niche and host colonization. The project will include standard microbiological techniques, fluorescence microscopy, bacterial genetics, transposon-based screens, cell-based infection, and analysis of changes in bacterial and host gene expression.
Key Responsibilities:
Work within a team to achieve key performance indicators of research projects
- Acquire proficiency in discipline-specific knowledge
- Acquire new technical skills, as required by the project
- Plan, design and implement independent research project
- Supervise research staff and/or graduate students in the plan, design, and implementation of projects
- Assist with organization and management of the research team
Communicate research progress and outcomes regularly
- Prepare technical reports for the program PIs and present data at regular group meeting
- Take lead role in manuscript preparation for scientific journals
- Present research at external conferences and meetings
Maintain open communication with colleagues
- Regular communication, as needed, with principal investigators, collaborating colleagues, lab members, SBS administrative staff
- Serve as postdoctoral representative, on a limited basis, on internal committees
Job Requirements:
- PhD in microbiology, or related field, with significant experience in microbiology
- Specific expertise in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bacterial regulatory networks, c-di-GMP signaling, bacterial genetics and genetic screens, molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, protein purification.
- Desired but not essential expertise in cell biology and omics.
- A demonstrable record of excellence in presentation of research and peer-reviewed publication is required
- Demonstrable ability to work independently, within a large and collaborative team
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
