Research Officer Position at A*STAR IMCB Singapore | Apply Now
A rare chance has emerged for talented individuals to join A*STAR’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) as an A*STAR Research Officer. This position focuses on retinal gene therapy and is open to candidates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online.
- Position: Research Officer
- Location: A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
About A*STAR
A*STAR, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore, is a leading research organization dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. The institute focuses on various fields, including biomedical sciences, physical sciences, and engineering, contributing significantly to Singapore’s research landscape. A*STAR aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry to drive impactful research and development.
A*STAR Research Officer Job Description
The successful candidate will support translational research focused on retinal gene therapy and disease modelling. This role will involve in vivo rodent studies, preclinical gene therapy evaluation, ocular drug administration, micro-dissection, and downstream histological and molecular validation. The candidate will work closely within a multidisciplinary team spanning molecular biology, viral vector technology, and translational ocular therapeutics.
Key Responsibilities for A*STAR Research Officer
- In Vivo Rodent Studies: Execute and support in vivo studies using rodent models of retinal disease to evaluate viral gene therapy vectors and therapeutic efficacy.
- Ocular Procedures & Dosing: Perform animal handling, routine health monitoring, systemic/ocular dosing (e.g., intravitreal or subretinal injections, or willingness to undergo micro-injection training), and precise ocular tissue harvesting/micro-dissection.
- Histological & Morphological Characterization: Process ocular tissues for paraffin/cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative confocal microscopy/image analysis to track vector transduction, transgene expression, and structural rescue.
- Molecular & Biochemical Assays: In this A*STAR Research Officer role, carry out downstream assays (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR for biodistribution and vector copy number, Western blotting, ELISA) to support therapeutic evaluation.
- In Vitro Support: Assist with primary retinal cell cultures or relevant cell lines to evaluate vector batches and transgene expression as needed.
- Data Management & Lab Operations: As an A*STAR Research Officer, maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks, experimental records, inventory of vectors/reagents, and ensure compliance with institutional animal ethics (IACUC) and biosafety regulations.
- Collaboration & Reporting: Analyze experimental data, compile progress reports, and present updates during team meetings.
Eligibility Criteria for A*STAR Research Officer
- Education: Bachelor’s (BSc) or Master’s (MSc/M.Tech) degree in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, or a related field.
- Animal Work Experience: Hands-on experience working with rodent models, including standard handling, restraint, dosing (IP, IV, or SC), anesthesia, and tissue dissection. Prior experience in ocular procedures (subretinal/intravitreal injections) or ophthalmic imaging (e.g., OCT, fundus imaging, ERG) is strongly advantageous.
- Histology & Imaging: Practical experience in tissue fixation, sectioning, immunofluorescence staining, and fluorescence/confocal imaging.
- Molecular Biology Skills: Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Western blot, ELISA). Prior exposure to viral vectors (AAV/lentivirus) is a plus.
Why Join A*STAR?
A*STAR offers a collaborative environment where researchers can engage in cutting-edge science and contribute to significant advancements in healthcare and technology. The organization is committed to fostering innovation and providing opportunities for professional growth and development in the field of biomedical research.
This A*STAR Research Officer opportunity at A*STAR IMCB enables qualified candidates to contribute to retinal gene therapy research. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply at the earliest opportunity to be considered for this impactful role.
