Research Officer (Translational Bacteriology Lab), A*STAR IDL Full-time

Research Officer (Translational Bacteriology Lab), A*STAR IDL

A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL) aims to be the global leader in tropical infectious diseases through scientific excellence in research and innovation to enhance human health and respond to future pandemics. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist who is willing to learn new scientific approaches and contribute to a developing dynamic research group.

The successful candidate will work alongside senior scientists working at the interface of microbiology, immunology, genomics, and translational biology. This position is within the translational microbiology laboratory of Professor Stephen Baker, a globally recognized leader in antimicrobial resistance and bacteriology. The lab's focus is on developing novel therapeutics and preventative strategies against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and critical infectious diseases. This role also offers mentorship, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and collaboration opportunities with leading researchers globally.

Key Responsibilities

Research Support & Teamwork

• Work closely with the senior research staff to support ongoing projects.
• Contribute to day-to-day experimental work under guidance from senior research staff and group leader.
• Participate in regular lab meetings, discussions, and training activities.

Laboratory Experiments & Technical Support

• Perform routine laboratory experiments following established protocols.
• Assist with experiments related to antibody discovery and characterisation (e.g. ELISA, binding assays, bacterial culture-based assays).
• Support sample preparation, reagent handling, and experimental setup.

Data Collection, Documentation & Quality Control

• Record experimental data accurately in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems.
• Assist with basic data organisation, analysis, and figure preparation under supervision.
• Contribute to maintaining reproducibility and quality standards across experiments.

Bacterial Culture & Sample Handling

• Assist with the culture, handling, and storage of bacterial isolates, following biosafety and laboratory guidelines.
• Support routine microbiological procedures, including media preparation and strain archiving.

Laboratory Operations & Organisation

• Assist with general laboratory tasks, including reagent preparation, inventory tracking, and equipment maintenance.
• Help ensure laboratory spaces are organised, safe, and compliant with institutional policies.
• Support coordination of shared resources within lab group.

Learning, Development & Progression

• Actively engage in training to develop technical and conceptual understanding of antibody and infectious disease research.
• Gradually take on increased responsibility for defined experimental tasks as skills develop.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and respectful lab environment.

Molecular and Immunological Assays

• Develop and optimize molecular and bacteriological assays to investigate antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, including techniques such as multiplex PCR, RT-PCR, and whole-genome sequencing.
• Conduct immunological studies, such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and cytokine profiling, to understand host-pathogen interactions and immune responses.
• Perform functional immunological assays (e.g. bactericidal, neutralisation, or opsonophagocytic assays).

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Maintain high standards of data quality, reproducibility, and documentation.
• Prepare figures, internal reports, and data to contribute to manuscripts for publication.

Lab Management and Collaboration:

• Collaborate on research into vaccine development and immunotherapeutic strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Support lab management activities, including mentoring team members, ensuring safety compliance, and facilitating efficient lab operations.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a laboratory led by a globally renowned researcher at the forefront of antimicrobial resistance and immunology.
• Be involved in impactful research projects with a focus on developing novel therapeutics.
• Publish in leading scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with international experts and gain experience of state-of-the-art facilities at A*STAR IDL.
• Be part of a supportive and ambitious team making a global impact in infectious diseases research.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in microbiology, immunology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Practical laboratory experience in microbiology, immunology, or molecular biology, gained through coursework, research projects, or previous employment.
• Willingness to learn and apply new experimental techniques under supervision.
• Ability to follow protocols carefully and maintain accurate experimental records.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A passion for learning and acquiring new skills.
• Prior experience working in a research laboratory (academic, clinical, or industry).
• Exposure to techniques relevant to antibody or protein work (e.g. ELISA, flow cytometry, protein expression/purification, cell culture).
• Familiarity with data recording, basic analysis, or laboratory information systems.
• Interest in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, or translational biomed.
• Enthusiastic, reliable, and motivated to develop laboratory skills.
• Comfortable working under guidance and asking questions when needed.
• Able to manage routine tasks while gradually taking on more responsibility.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of laboratory safety and good research practice.
• Interest in building a longer-term career in research.