Research Fellow (Mechanobiology Institute)

Job Description

The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading multi-disciplinary institute devoted to developing new paradigms for understanding biological functions in health and diseases from the perspective of cell, tissue and organ mechanics/dynamics and mechano-signal transduction. The institute operates on a fully integrated open-lab philosophy, with an extensive infrastructure supported by core facilities dedicated to technology such as state-of-the-art light microscopy, nano- and micro- fabrication, and computing.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Vascular Mechano-medicine Lab of Dr. Shailaja Seetharaman at the MBI and Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS. The Vascular Mechano-medicine Lab (https://www.mechano-medicine-lab.com/) decodes and engineers the fundamental feedback mechanisms driving vascular tissue function in health and disease, with the goal of translating these discoveries into disease prediction and novel therapeutic strategies.

The Research Fellow will combine computational approaches with cell/tissue biology to uncover how vascular mechanobiology goes awry in cardiovascular aging and disease. The Research Fellow’s key responsibilities will include:

1. Developing and utilizing computational approaches including machine learning models, image analysis pipelines, and bioinformatics analyses;
2. Designing and conducting experiments integrating microscopy, transcriptomics, and microfabrication to provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of the vasculature;
3. Driving their independent research and working collaboratively with researchers, graduate students, and external partners to support project goals;
4. Setting up and following standard operating procedures and protocols for various computational tasks and experimental methods, and supporting day-to-day lab operations;
5. Supporting and training graduate students, research assistants and/ or interns in the lab as needed;
6. Ensuring adherence to lab safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

The Research Fellow will join a thriving research environment that offers opportunities for collaboration across MBI, Physiology, NUS, and international partners, as well as opportunities to present research at national and international conferences.

Qualifications

• A PhD in computational biology, systems biology, biophysics, cell biology, bioengineering, or similar fields
• Expertise in computational approaches such as machine learning and bioinformatics is required
• Expertise in genetic screening and -omics approaches will be advantageous
• Expertise in routine cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and microscopy, and prior knowledge of mechanobiology, biophysical tools, and microfabrication will be advantageous
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Proven ability to train graduate students, Master’s students, or research assistants
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills, and a keen desire for project management
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage responsibilities effectively in a research environment

To Apply

Interested applicants should include a cover letter (with statement of research interest and career goals), curriculum vitae (CV), and the contact information of 3 references consolidated in a single PDF file. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr. Shailaja Seetharaman at shailaja@nus.edu.sg.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.