Research Assistant (Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Dr Lee Seungjae’s lab)
University-Level Unit: Cancer Science Institute of Singapore
Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Research
Employee Category: Research Staff
Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus
Posting Start Date: 21/09/2026
About us
The Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) is a University Research Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS), officially launched on 15 October 2008. CSI Singapore aims to position Singapore as a global leader in Biomedical Sciences through a multifaceted and coordinated approach to cancer research, spanning basic cancer biology through experimental therapeutics, with the ultimate goal of improving cancer treatment.
Dr Lee Seungjae’s laboratory will build on discoveries in small RNA biology, RNA modifications, alternative polyadenylation and metabolic regulation to investigate metabolite-responsive RNA regulatory mechanisms, including the role of porphyrin and ALAS1 in regulating Ago2 and RNA interference.
The Research Assistant will support the Principal Investigator and research team in establishing and conducting research on RNA regulatory mechanisms and cellular metabolite signalling.
The role will combine hands-on research responsibilities with laboratory commissioning and operational support, providing an opportunity to contribute from the early stages of establishing a new research laboratory and to gain exposure to cutting-edge research at the interface of RNA biology, molecular biology and cancer research.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
1. Research Activities
- Assist in planning and conducting laboratory experiments under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and research team.
- Perform molecular and cell biology experiments relating to RNA biology and metabolite signalling, including mammalian cell culture, RNA/DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning and Western blotting.
- Support reporter assays, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, gene perturbation and validation studies.
- Conduct experiments on ALAS1 expression, localisation and filament formation, and its relationship with cellular porphyrin levels and RNA regulation.
- Assist with fluorescence microscopy, confocal imaging, biochemical assays and studies of RNA-protein or RNA-small molecule interactions.
- Prepare samples for RNA sequencing, transcriptomic analysis, RNA structural profiling, metabolomics and other downstream applications.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, protocols and research data; analyse and document results under the research team’s guidance.
- Assist in troubleshooting experiments and optimising protocols.
- Conduct literature searches and contribute to presentations, reports, manuscripts and other research outputs.
2. Laboratory Establishment and Commissioning
As the laboratory is newly established, support the Principal Investigator in commissioning the laboratory and establishing its research operations.
- Assist in planning and setting up laboratory workspaces, equipment and research infrastructure.
- Support the procurement, receipt, installation, commissioning and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Liaise with suppliers, service providers and relevant NUS/CSI teams on delivery, installation, servicing and other setup matters.
- Check equipment functionality and maintain equipment and maintenance records.
- Organise reagents, consumables and research materials, and establish inventories for chemicals, biological materials and laboratory supplies.
- Set up laboratory workflows, storage systems and sample-management processes.
- Support the development of standard operating procedures, experimental protocols and laboratory documentation.
- Ensure laboratory spaces and equipment are ready for experiments.
- Support laboratory safety, biosafety, biological sample storage, chemical management and waste disposal in accordance with NUS and CSI requirements.
- Coordinate with operations, safety, facilities and procurement teams to resolve setup and operational matters.
3. Laboratory Operations and Team Support
- Maintain a clean, organised and safe laboratory environment.
- Monitor stocks of reagents and consumables and arrange replenishment when required.
- Maintain appropriate records for equipment, samples, reagents and laboratory activities.
- Coordinate the use of shared laboratory equipment and facilities.
- Support the onboarding of new laboratory members on established procedures and workflows.
- Comply with institutional requirements on laboratory safety, biosafety, data management and research integrity.
- Participate in laboratory meetings, research discussions and training.
- Perform other research and laboratory operational duties assigned by the Principal Investigator.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.
- Relevant research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, RNA biology or cancer biology would be advantageous.
- Basic laboratory experience in cell culture, PCR/qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, Western blotting, cloning or microscopy is preferred.
- Experience with CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, RNA-related techniques or fluorescence/confocal microscopy would be advantageous.
- Experience in laboratory setup, equipment commissioning, inventory management or laboratory operations would be an advantage.
- Good understanding of laboratory safety and research practices.
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
- Good organisational, time-management and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
- Willingness to learn new experimental techniques and work across different areas of molecular and cellular biology.
- Proactive, adaptable and hands-on, particularly when working in a newly established laboratory.
Key Competencies
Research and Technical Skills
- Foundational knowledge of molecular and cell biology.
- Ability to follow and optimise experimental protocols.
- Good laboratory technique and attention to detail.
- Ability to accurately record, organise and interpret experimental data.
Laboratory Operations
- Strong organisational and inventory-management skills.
- Ability to coordinate laboratory setup and equipment-related activities.
- Awareness of laboratory safety and compliance requirements.
- Practical approach to resolving operational issues.
Collaboration and Communication
- Ability to work effectively with the Principal Investigator, researchers and laboratory or operations teams.
- Clear communication with internal stakeholders, suppliers and service providers.
- Commitment to contributing to a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.
Req ID: 34457
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