Research Fellow (Microbiology & Immunology)

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Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Fellow position for the project “Mechanisms of Zoonosis in Malaria Parasites” in the team of Assoc. Prof. Kevin. S.W. Tan and Dr. Jaishree Tripathi at the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The Department of Microbiology and Immunology has distinguished itself in biomedical research and has a broad spectrum of expertise. Research in the Department encompasses very diverse questions and uses a wide variety of approaches, experimental systems, and techniques. Principal Investigators of the Department are internationally recognized for research on immunology, medical virology, bacteriology, parasitology, molecular biology and biotechnology. Appointments for this position will be made on a 1-year contract basis.

Purpose of the post

The Research Fellow (RF) will be responsible for developing new methodologies utilising high-throughout imaging platforms and single cell RNA sequencing to characterize zoonotic events in simian malaria parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi. The RF’s principal role will be to conduct wet lab experiments, data collection and data analysis on the above-mentioned project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities are listed below but this is not exhaustive and may evolve as the project and lab requirements develops. The RF will be responsible for:

1. Research:

• Establishment of stable P. knowlesi malaria cultures in the lab and creating frozen stocks for these. The RF is expected to conduct literature searches regularly and be up to date on the latest research in the field.
• Optimize the protocol for AMNIS Imagestream or similar imaging platforms to capture zoonotic ‘jumps’ in malaria parasites and identify new features to characterize zoonosis.
• Testing the efficiency of different single cell RNA sequencing related protocols (e.g. SMARTseq3, MALBAC, 10X Genomics) that will be most suited for the project aims. Establish an optimized pipeline from start to end for identification of stochastic genes using the optimized approach.
• Sequencing library preparation and outsourcing for sequencing.
• RNA Sequencing data processing and analysis using Unix and R Studio.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To organize, document and present results of the experiments in a logical manner.
• Publication preparation and submission.
• To assist in supervising, training and guiding new undergraduate/graduate students/RA in the lab.
• Maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and record keeping in accordance with NUS policies and procedures;
• Laboratory:

Assisting the PI in drafting SOPs, RAs and permit approvals related and required for the above zoonotic malaria project.

Qualifications

The applicant should:

1. Have a PhD degree in Life Sciences/ Molecular Biology/ Cell Biology/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology or related area.
2. Good command of English language (proficient level speaking, reading, writing) and communication skills.
3. Have knowledge of cell and molecular biology techniques such as sterile cell culture, PCR, Reverse transcription, flow cytometry, DNA/RNA purification, fluorescence microscopy. Prior experience in malaria research is highly preferred.
4. Knowledge of sequencing sample preparation and data analysis.
5. Have knowledge of computer applications, e.g. R Studio, MS office, Excel, PowerPoint, FlowJo, GraphPad; and
6. Be able to lead the project and work independently, have an investigative nature, attention to detail;

Application

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Previous research experience in the field of malaria biology, imaging and sequencing data analysis is preferred.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr. Jaishree Tripathi, at [email protected]

Formal application: Please provide the following information for submitting your application:

1. A detailed CV (including personal particulars, academic and employment history, past research experience).
2. Complete list of publications/oral presentations
3. Full contacts of 2 referees (including their name, contact information (email) and relationship to applicant ,if available)
4. Current/expected salary