"Research Assistant (OR/NBD/ACC)"

Job Description

The Signature Research Programme in Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders (NBD) is focused on understanding the structure and function of the nervous system, and the neural mechanisms underlying human neurological, psychiatric and ophthalmological disorders.

Controlling neuronal activity with light is an important method in neuroscience. The Ministry of Education has funded a project to develop and use optogenetic tools. This exciting project aims to develop new optogenetic tools to inhibit neuronal activity. The Claridge-Chang Lab at Duke-NUS Medical School is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant, ideally with a strong background in neuroscience, to join this project. We would be especially interested in scientists with prior experience in optogenetics, fly genetics, light-microscopy, brain imaging, molecular cloning, electrophysiology, and/or cell culture.

The selected candidate will perform a variety of research activities which include planning, organizing and conducting research studies within the overall scope of a research project under the supervision of the Principal Investigator or his/her designate, including but not limited to the following:

• Perform tasks and support all aspects of the research project.
• Conduct accurate monitoring, documenting and reporting of experimental results and/or research findings.
• Assist in writing the draft of research papers and review articles.
• Assist to provide guidance and support to other researchers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students.
• Assist with housekeeping of the laboratory area, general maintenance tasks and animal stock maintenance.
• Maintain safety protocols, order/prepare common reagents and maintain laboratory inventory.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described therein.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Biological Sciences or other related fields with a keen interest in neuroscience.
• Possess laboratory experimental skills including the relevant skill sets to perform the following techniques - cell culture, electrophysiology, transfection, molecular biology (sub-cloning methods including restriction digests, PCR and gel electrophoresis), Drosophila experiments, imaging.
• Possess skills in microscopy such as laser confocal microscopy, image analysis (ImageJ, Zeiss LSM Browser, PhotoShop, Metamorph and/or Matlab).
• Have skills in bioinformatics data analysis such as Python, R or similar analysis methods.
• Prior experience in scientific sourcing & procurement.
• Proven knowledge, skills and abilities with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A self-motivated individual who can work independently, prioritize, multi-task and work collaboratively in a research environment of diverse workforce.

Please email claridge-chang.adam@duke-nus.edu.sg with your CV. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.