Research Fellow [LKCMedicine] Full-time

Research Fellow Position

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 position is supported by the MOE Tier 2 project, “Construct Kidney Organoids with Higher-Order Tissue Architecture for Studying Congenital Kidney Diseases”, with the key objective of developing advanced human kidney organoid models to investigate congenital kidney diseases, understand disease mechanisms, and facilitate translational research.

We are looking for a Research Fellow to support the MOE Tier 2 research project “Construct Kidney Organoids with Higher-Order Tissue Architecture for Studying Congenital Kidney Diseases”. The role will focus on human pluripotent stem cell culture, kidney organoid differentiation, genome engineering, disease modelling, molecular and imaging analyses, as well as data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and mentoring junior laboratory members. The appointee will also contribute to the day-to-day operation and scientific progress of the project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of research activities under the MOE Tier 2 project “Construct Kidney Organoids with Higher-Order Tissue Architecture for Studying Congenital Kidney Diseases.”
• Develop and apply human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoid models, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and molecular and cellular biology techniques to investigate disease mechanisms.
• Perform and interpret multi-omics, imaging, and functional analyses, including RNA sequencing and single-cell transcriptomic datasets.
• Prepare manuscripts, research reports, grant applications, and present research findings at scientific meetings.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, including Research Associates, PhD students, undergraduate interns, and attachment students.
• Contribute to laboratory management, maintenance of shared experimental platforms, and implementation of good laboratory and research practices.

Required educational qualification, experience, skills and competencies:

• PhD degree in stem cell biology, developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• 3-4 years of relevant research experience or demonstrated technical expertise in human pluripotent stem cell biology, organoid models, molecular biology, or disease modelling.
• Strong technical experience in mammalian cell culture, human pluripotent stem cell maintenance and differentiation, molecular and cellular biology techniques, and experimental design.
• Experience with kidney organoid culture, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, animal models, histology, microscopy, or next-generation sequencing data analysis will be an advantage.
• Good written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, reports, and presentations in English.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, including statistical analysis and graphical presentation of scientific data. Experience in transcriptomic or single-cell sequencing analysis is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Highly motivated, responsible, and proactive, with a strong commitment to scientific excellence and willingness to mentor junior laboratory members.

Hiring Institution: LKC