Dr Ian Cheong – Assistant Research Officer
Research
Ian Cheong Group
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented research assistant to support a research project aimed at developing and validating protocols for the sequencing and detection of viruses in wastewater using the Oxford Nanopore sequencing platform. This project is part of an international consortium to contribute to the growing field of wastewater-based epidemiology, with applications in public health surveillance and early outbreak detection.
The successful candidate will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher and a bioinformatician covering areas across molecular biology, environmental science, and bioinformatics.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform nucleic acid extraction and concentration from complex environmental matrices.
- Conduct library preparation and Oxford Nanopore sequencing
- Carry out basic data analysis and quality control using established workflows.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, organize samples, and manage reagent inventories.
- Support the preparation of figures, data summaries, and protocols for reports or publications.
- Participate in lab meetings and collaborative discussions.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Competent in nucleic acid extraction and molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, PCR etc).
- Willing to work in a BSL3 laboratory
- Familiarity with sequencing technologies
- Comfortable using the Linux command line and basic data handling tools (e.g., Excel, R/Python desirable but not essential).
- Good organizational and communication skills.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience with wastewater sampling or working with environmental samples.
- Prior exposure to sequencing techniques and bioinformatics analysis.
- Familiarity with ONT and other bioinformatics tools
- Competency in troubleshooting experiments and problem solving skills
Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Benefits include annual leave, medical coverage, and flexi-benefits.
Interested individuals should submit their application, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and two recommendation letters to:
Dr Ian Cheong Shen-Yi
Senior Principal Investigator
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory Limited
Email: ian@tll.org.sg
(Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified)