Research Assistant (Synthetic Biology TRP)

Roles & Responsibilities

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal. Please note your application will only be processed if you apply via NUS Career Portal.

NUS Career Portal link: https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Research-Assistant-%28Synthetic-Biology-TRP%29/34387-en_GB/

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated research assistant to join the Laboratory of Assistant Professor Gavin Kuziel in the Synthetic Biology Translational Research Program (TRP) at the National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The Kuziel Lab integrates techniques in plant synthetic biology, high-throughput microbial screening, and chemical genomics to generate mechanistic, systems-level frameworks for how botanicals shape diverse microbe–host symbioses, enabling new strategies to engineer and enhance the resilience of host- or environment-associated microbial communities.

The Research Assistant (RA) will work closely with the Principal Investigator, senior researchers, and lab members to support research at the interface of botanicals, microbiomes, and host homeostasis, with a primary focus on supporting bacterial cultivation and lab workflows. Appointments will be initially made on a 1-year contract, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the cultivation and maintenance of diverse prokaryotic microorganisms
• Support high-throughput microbial screening and phenotypic characterization
• Assist with sample preparation and routine next-generation sequencing library prep
• Support general research activities, including media preparation, resource coordination, and maintaining shared strain/reagent inventories
• Provide collaborative support to other lab members and research assistants
• Assist in any other routine duties delegated by the Principal Investigator

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Basic hands-on experience or coursework in general microbiology or cell culture
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage daily workflows effectively
• Good communication skills and a strong desire to work collaboratively in a team environment

Highly desirable:

• Experience in aerobic and/or anaerobic microbial culture
• Familiarity with routine molecular biology techniques or bacterial strain engineering
• Exposure to high-throughput screening equipment (e.g., plate readers, automated liquid handlers)

Remuneration will be commensurate to the candidate's qualifications and experience. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr. Kuziel at kuziel@nus.edu.sg

Formal application: Please submit your application, indicating job reference number and current/expected salary, supported by a detailed CV (including personal particulars, academic and employment history, list of publications/oral presentations, and full contacts of two referees). Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Tell employers what skills you have

High Throughput Screening
Workflow
Organisational Skills
Microbiology
Cell Culture
Attention to Detail
Biomedical Sciences
Molecular Biology
Life Sciences
Chemical Engineering