Research Fellow, Molecular and Cellular Biology [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 Nguyen Lab (Principle Investigator: Thanh Ricky Nguyen) within the Cancer Discovery and Regenerative Medicine Program is a collaborative and innovative research group focused on uncovering how cells maintain internal quality control and how these processes break down in disease. Our research centers on the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and mitophagy, particularly in the context of aging, neurodegeneration, and cancer. We combine biochemical, molecular, and cell biological approaches with emerging systems, including advanced 3D cultures and in vivo models.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to lead mechanistic studies of autophagy-related pathways, with opportunities to extend findings into in vivo systems such as mouse models. The successful candidate will drive independent projects while contributing to the broader research direction of the lab. The position offers opportunities to develop new experimental platforms and shape emerging research directions within a growing lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments to investigate molecular mechanisms of autophagy and mitophagy
• Apply biochemical and molecular approaches (e.g., protein interaction studies, signalling pathway analysis)
• Develop and/or utilize in vivo models (e.g., mouse systems)
• Integrate biochemical findings with cellular and physiological outcomes to address disease-relevant questions
• Independently plan and lead research projects, including data analysis and interpretation
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and development of research directions
• Collaborate with lab members and mentor junior researchers

Required educational qualification, experience, skills and competencies:

• PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Strong background in biochemistry, including protein expression, purification, and biochemical assays
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning) and a solid foundation in cell biology
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute mechanistic studies of cellular pathways
• Experience in or strong interest in developing expertise in in vivo models (e.g., mouse systems)
• Experience with proteomics approaches (e.g., mass spectrometry-based analysis) is advantageous
• Strong publication record or evidence of research productivity
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Persistence and a thoughtful approach to troubleshooting complex experiments