"Research Assistant (Dept of Paediatrics)"

The National University of Singapore invites applications for Research Assistant in the Renal Immunology & Genetics (IMM-RIG) division, Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Our clinical and laboratory research aims to elucidate kidney diseases with suspected genetic etiologies to advance diagnostics and therapies and improve long‑term outcomes. This is a contract appointment, with the possibility of extension.

Purpose of the post

The Research Assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Research Fellows, and the study team to ensure successful project delivery. Key responsibilities include conducting experiments to resolve variants of uncertain significance (VUS), performing data acquisition and analysis, and maintaining research databases. The role also covers procurement of laboratory consumables and participation in periodic reviews of laboratory safety and compliance.

Main duties and responsibilities

Wet Lab (Experimental)

• Plan, execute, and troubleshoot daily experiments independently or collaboratively, including cell culture, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and nanopore-based long-read sequencing (Oxford Nanopore).
• Maintain detailed experimental logs, SOPs, and reagent/instrument records.
• Maintain lab organization (inventory, equipment calibration and maintenance schedules) and contribute to protocol optimization to improve reproducibility and throughput.

Dry Lab (Data Analysis)

• Perform NGS data processing and analysis, and downstream statistical analyses as appropriate to project aims.
• Consolidate, clean, and manage datasets; ensure traceable, reproducible workflows (e.g., version-controlled scripts/notebooks, documented parameters, pipeline summaries).
• Generate interpretable outputs (figures, tables, dashboards) and concise analytical summaries for progress updates, manuscripts, and reports.
• Conduct literature searches to inform experimental design and analytical approaches; benchmark methods and recommend tools/pipelines aligned with project goals.

Administrative and Project Support

• Organize regular project meetings: schedule, prepare agendas, circulate materials, record minutes, track actions, and follow up to maintain alignment across study sites and team members.
• Support general project administration and perform other related duties as delegated by the Research Fellow.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree with good results in Life Sciences or a related discipline.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills; able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Clear, timely communication with the Principal Investigator and reporting officers; reliable documentation and follow-through.
• Good interpersonal skills; proactive, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Being able to work overtime or on Saturdays when required, with off-in-lieu provided.

Preferred

• Basic proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python); not a prerequisite but advantageous.
• Familiarity with research data management, QA/QC practices, and reproducible workflows.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Please submit your application, indicating current/expected salary, supported by a detailed CV (including personal particulars, academic and employment history, complete list of publications/oral presentations and full contacts of three (3) referees to this job portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Department: Paediatrics

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID: 31451

Apply now