Research Staff (Microbial Characterization and Sequencing)

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT.

The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver an industry innovation research project as part of a research team developing molecular and sequencing workflows for microbial characterization. The work supports the rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation using a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform. Responsibilities include next-generation sequencing (NGS), qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation, and experimental support for aptamer discovery targeting environmental microorganisms listed in the US Pharmacopeia.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Responsibilities

• Perform microbial community characterization using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms such as Illumina sequencing or Oxford Nanopore sequencing.
• Design and perform qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation.
• Prepare DNA sequencing libraries, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and library preparation.
• Conduct basic bioinformatics processing of sequencing data, including sequence quality control and taxonomic profiling where required.
• Support aptamer discovery and validation experiments, including nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and molecular characterization.
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation.

Research & Project Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experimental workflows to support project milestones related to microbial detection and biosensor development.
• Contribute to sequencing-based microbial profiling of environmental and cleaning validation samples.
• Work collaboratively with project investigators and interdisciplinary teams to integrate sequencing and molecular biology results with biosensor development.
• Prepare technical reports and contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and project documentation.
• Support generation of experimental data required for project validation and milestone reporting.

Operational Responsibilities

• Ensure laboratory compliance with Work Safety and Health (WSH) regulations and institutional safety guidelines.
• Manage procurement and inventory of molecular biology and sequencing consumables.
• Maintain laboratory equipment used for molecular biology and sequencing workflows.

Mentorship

• Support training of junior researchers, research assistants, and students where required.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing within the research group.
• To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met.
• Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor.

Job Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Possessing a Master’s or PhD degree will be advantageous
• Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Illumina or Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms including sequencing library preparation
• Demonstrated experience working with environmental or low-biomass microbial samples.
• Demonstrated experience with DNA extraction and PCR amplification
• Demonstrated experience performing qPCR assays for nucleic acid quantification and molecular analysis, including troubleshooting
• Demonstrated experience with aptamer technologies or nucleic acid-based molecular recognition systems.
• Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology techniques.

Preferred

• Familiarity with microbial community sequencing workflows such as 16S rRNA sequencing or metagenomic analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with bioinformatics tools for sequencing data processing (e.g., quality control, taxonomic classification, microbial community analysis).
• Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary or industry-linked research projects.

Key Competencies

• Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills in molecular biology.
• Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments and manage datasets.
• Strong scientific communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Good organizational and project management skills.