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Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Research Assistant to support pioneering research in molecular microbial ecology and infectious disease evolution under the guidance of A/Prof Yann Boucher at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) – NTU. This position will focus on the ecology, evolution, and genomics of enteric bacterial pathogens, with an emphasis on understanding pathogen life cycles, adaptation, and survival in human and environmental reservoirs. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing culturomics approaches to the study of microbiomes and support the discovery of new bacterial species related to key pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae. This role will suit an individual passionate about microbiology, pathogen ecology, and experimental evolution.
Job Description
- Conduct laboratory-based research on the microbial ecology and evolution of enteric pathogens, with a focus on pathogen life cycles, antimicrobial resistance acquisition, and virulence factors.
- Assist in the isolation, characterization, and genomic analysis of bacterial species associated with the “cholerae clade” and other enteric pathogens.
- Support culturomics studies to examine microbial transmission dynamics between human and environmental systems.
- Collaborate with team members on experiments that investigate pathogen evolution over human timescales, particularly in response to environmental pressures and host interactions.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of experiments, data collection, and data analysis using relevant software.
- Prepare research findings for publications, reports, and presentations, contributing to collaborative international projects.
- Daily lab management tasks such as inventory of supplies and samples, preparing culture media and solutions, autoclaving materials, ordering supplies and maintaining bacterial cultures and stocks
Requirements
- At least Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, or a related field.
- Prior experience in laboratory research, microbial ecology, or molecular genetics preferred.
- Proficiency in molecular techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatics software for genomic analysis.
- Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with microbial ecology or evolutionary biology concepts.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, able to prepare clear research documentation and contribute to team discussions.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
