Research Asst

JOB SUMMARY
 

The Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and REsponse (PREPARE) is a national programme that was set up by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to support and strengthen Singapore’s key essential research capabilities, translational platforms, and expertise to develop tools, methods and products that can be tapped on to detect, respond to, and contain future infectious disease threats.

You will assist in the execution of animal immunogenicity and challenge models for viral pathogens within the ABSL3 or ABSL2 setting as part of the PREPARE Vaccine & Therapeutics co-op. This co-op aims to develop pathogen-agnostic technologies and platforms to enable rapid therapeutic or vaccine development to enhance Singapore’s capabilities and access to vaccines during future epidemics. You will report to the Senior Scientific officer (Vaccine & Therapeutics).   

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC

1. Assist with execution of animal challenge experiments for viral pathogens with pandemic potential within the ABSL3 at LKC Experimental Medicine Building (NTU) or immunogenicity experiments for vaccine platforms within the ABSL2 at LKC Clinical Sciences Building (Novena)
2. Work with the Senior Scientific Officer (Vaccine & Therapeutics) to execute animal experiments.
3. Execute and assist with experiments involving immunological/virological characterization of experimental samples within BSL3/BSL2 e.g. T cell reactivity, viral load, neutralization titre etc in support of PREPARE projects.

GENERAL

1. Ensure safe execution of experiments and adherence to SOPs and all safety & ethics regulations/policies and procedures stipulated by the lab and institution.
2. Analyze experimental data and ensure proper documentation of results.
3. Perform other duties as directed by supervisors and HOD, including work areas not mentioned here.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

1. Diploma or Degree in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE
 

1. Minimum 2 years’ experience with small animal models of viral infection
2. Familiarity with standard mouse handling techniques e.g. intranasal inoculation, IV/IP injection, cheek bleeds, administration of anaesthesia/euthanasia          
3. Willing and to work in a high containment setting with high-risk pathogens. Prior experience working with animals in a high containment (ABSL3) laboratory setting would be advantageous.
4. Experience with immunological techniques such as multi-parameter flow cytometry, ELIspot, T cell activation and culture, ELISA or virological techniques such as PRNT, TCID, microneutralization assays is an advantage.
5. Able to work under tight timelines and willing to respond out-of-office hours during national emergencies or due to exigencies of service.
6. Good oral and written communication skills