Job Description
The Spatial Biology Core is a core facility within the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore. Its mission is to provide end-to-end solutions for tissue research by offering access to advanced equipment, expert advice and specialised services to support the research needs of CSI and the wider NUS ecosystem. The Core’s capabilities span two broad areas: bioimaging and spatial biology.
We are seeking a meticulous, service-oriented and technically capable Laboratory Executive to support the day-to-day operations of the bioimaging arm of the Spatial Biology Core. The successful candidate will help maintain and operate microscopy platforms, train users, support image acquisition and processing workflows, and contribute to the smooth running of the facility.
The bioimaging arm offers researchers access to a range of microscopy platforms, including confocal microscopes, widefield epifluorescence microscopes, live-cell imaging systems and high-content screening platforms. These include the Zeiss LSM 880 with Airyscan, Leica SP8, Zeiss Axio Imager M2, Echo CellCyte, Zeiss Axio Observer and Revvity Opera Phenix.
Key Responsibilities
1. Microscopy Operations and Maintenance
- Set up, maintain and oversee the use of microscopy platforms within the bioimaging facility.
- Perform day-to-day upkeep of microscopes and related equipment.
- Maintain inventory of essential consumables and spare parts, including replacement light bulbs, immersion oil, lens paper and other microscopy supplies.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance and servicing of microscopes with vendors and service engineers.
- Ensure microscopy workspaces are kept clean, organised and ready for use.
2. User Support and Training
- Provide staff-assisted microscopy services upon request.
- Train new users on the proper operation of microscopy equipment.
- Provide technical support to users for image acquisition, microscope settings and troubleshooting.
- Assist users in optimising imaging parameters for research samples.
- Support users with basic image processing and analysis where necessary.
- Monitor user compliance with microscope usage guidelines and safety requirements.
3. Data, Software and IT Coordination
- Work closely with IT to install, update and maintain image capture software and image analysis programs.
- Support efficient data storage management to enable proper storage, organisation and access to image files.
- Assist in maintaining good data management practices for imaging workflows.
4. Backup for Spatial Biology Services
- To act as a back-up for the Spatial Biology arm, carrying out spatial biology services as needed.
5. Facility Administration and Documentation
- Coordinate and renew service contracts for microscopy platforms.
- Assist in the purchasing of reagents, consumables and equipment for the bioimaging arm of SBC.
- Manage the booking and billing system for both the spatial biology and bioimaging arms of SBC.
- Prepare and maintain safety documents, standard operating procedures and risk assessments for microscopy sessions.
- Support general administrative processes required for smooth facility operations.
Qualifications
Essential
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related discipline from an accredited university.
- Training or hands-on experience in the use of confocal and widefield microscopes.
- Good understanding of microscope working principles.
- Knowledge of microscopy observation techniques.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Good work attitude, professional ethics and ability to perform under pressure.
Preferred
- Experience with microscopy platforms such as Zeiss, Leica or equivalent systems.
- Experience in live-cell imaging, high-content imaging or fluorescence imaging workflows.
- Knowledge and experience with spatial biology workflows (. e.g. multiplexed IHC, Quanterix PhenoCycler, Bruker Digital Spatial profiler etc) would be a strong advantage.
- Knowledge or experience in histology, anatomy, biomedical sciences or related fields is not strictly required but would be seen as advantageous.
- Knowledge of liquid handlers, such as Janus, would be advantageous.
- Experience using AI tools for documentation, data analysis, image analysis or workflow optimisation would be advantageous.
- Prior experience supporting users, training junior staff or working in a shared research facility would be favourably considered.
