Research Assistant/Associate [LKCMedicine] Full-time

Research Assistant/Associate

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) trains doctors who put patients at the centre of their exemplary care. The School, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programmes, is named after local philanthropist Tan Sri Dato Lee Kong Chian. Established in 2010 by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in partnership with Imperial College London, LKCMedicine aims to be a model for innovative medical education and a centre for transformative research. The School's primary clinical partner is the National Healthcare Group, a leader in public healthcare recognised for the quality of its medical expertise, facilities and teaching. The School is transitioning to an NTU medical school ahead of the 2028 successful conclusion of the NTU-Imperial partnership to set up a Joint Medical School. In August 2024, we welcomed our first intake of the NTU MBBS programme, that has been recently enhanced to include themes like precision medicine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with an expanded scope in the medical humanities. Graduates from the five-year undergraduate medical degree programme will have a strong understanding of the scientific basis of medicine, with an emphasis on technology, data science and the humanities.

The Nutrition, Digestion and Metabolism Lab in A/Prof Sunny Wong's group focuses on translational research in gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colorectal and gastric cancer, as well as metabolic disorders. The lab studies the interplay between diet, metabolism, and the microbiome, integrating clinical cohorts, microbiome profiling, multi-omics technologies, and experimental models to better understand disease mechanisms.

The team aims to translate fundamental research findings into meaningful clinical applications by identifying microbiome-related biomarkers for early detection, risk stratification, and treatment response, and by exploring new therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

We are looking for a Research Assistant/Associate to contribute to translational research in cancer and microbiome science. Working closely with Research Fellows and investigators, the role will involve wet-laboratory experiments, animal studies, clinical recruitment, biospecimen processing, and other research activities related to host-microbiome interactions, disease mechanisms, and biomarker development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in vitro experiments using molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, microbial culture, and other relevant laboratory techniques
• Assist with in vivo studies, including experimental procedures, sample collection, monitoring, and record-keeping
• Support clinical research activities, including participant recruitment, data and biospecimen collection, clinical study coordination, and protocol compliance
• Support Research Fellows in both wet and dry lab activities in the execution of research projects
• Assist with analysis and interpretation of clinical and experimental data
• Support routine laboratory operations, including laboratory housekeeping, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and compliance with laboratory safety requirements
• Assist with the procurement of laboratory equipment, materials and consumables
• Collaborate effectively with the whole research team to achieve overall research goals and objectives
• Work collaboratively with Principal Investigator and members of the research team to achieve project milestones and overall research objectives

Required educational qualification, experience, skills and competencies:

• Bachelor's degree (for Assistant) and Master degree (for Associate) in Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, Cancer Biology, Molecular Medicine or related field
• Relevant research experience in molecular biology or a related discipline is preferred
• Experience in conducting animal experiments and/or recruiting clinical research participants would be advantageous but is not essential
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet strict timelines
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team
• Entry-level candidates with relevant academic or laboratory experience are welcome to apply

Hiring Institution: LKC