Research Assistant (Healthy Longevity TRP)

Job Description

Purpose of the post

The Mouse Intervention Programme (MIP) is a flagship platform under Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme (HLTRP) at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. MIP investigates the efficacy of repurposed drugs and natural products in enhancing mouse healthspan and lifespan, to develop geroprotective interventions that are translatable to increase healthy year of life in humans.

The successful candidate will be joining the MIP team, led by a Senior Research Fellow, to conduct interventions in aged mice for development of precision geromedicine. The project requires large scale animal handling and maintenance, periodic animal behavioral and functional studies, and tissue collection/processing.

Appointment will be on a 1-year contract in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Animal work

• Assist in the handling and maintenance of aged mice during cohort studies
• Conduct periodic assessments of frailty and ageing biomarkers in aged mice
• Perform periodic animal behavioral and functional studies
• Assist in tissue collection, processing and biobanking
• Work closely with MIP Team leader to facilitate day-to-day operation and coordination of animal studies

1. Sample processing and downstream studies

• Support sample collection and processing for various omics analyses
• Perform histology and imaging analyses
• Assist in cellular and molecular work extended from the mouse studies

1. Data collection, analysis and reporting

• Provide support in data compilation, organisation, analysis and interpretation
• Maintain well-organised and traceable documentation and reports

• Assist in the preparation of research progress reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders

• Coordinate communication and logistics for research collaboration and external research institutes.

1. Laboratory operation & safety support

• Support the implementation and adherence to laboratory SOPs, safety guidelines, and regulatory requirements
• Assist in maintaining proper documentation for laboratory safety
• Assist in housekeeping of wet laboratory
• Provide guidance for junior research staff or undergraduate students/interns

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in biomedical, life sciences or related disciplines
2. Experience in one or more of the following disciplines will be advantageous:

• Basic animal handling skills, husbandry and animal behavioral studies, mouse colony maintenance, genotyping and mouse dissection
• Primary/ neuronal culture techniques, flow cytometry, histology, animal imaging
• Cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience

1. Strong interest in animal studies and not fearful of mice
2. Strong communication and organisational skills
3. Proactive and able to manage multiple workstreams in a dynamic research environment
4. Detail-oriented with high standards of accuracy and documentation
5. Proficiency in written and spoken English
6. Strong accountability and highly independent

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Formal application: Please submit your application and CV to this job portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.