Research Assistant (Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Dr Shu Zhang's lab)

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal. Please note your application will only be processed if you apply viaNUS Career Portal.

NUS Career Portal link - https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Research-Assistant-%28Cancer-Science-Institute-of-Singapore%2C-Dr-Shu-Zhang's-lab%29/34492-en_GB/

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About the Lab

The Zhang Lab is a newly established cancer genomics laboratory at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore. Our research focuses on extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), cancer genomics, genome instability, oncogenic gene fusions, tumour evolution, and tumour microenvironment, using single-cell and multi-omics approaches, long-read sequencing, and live-cell imaging.

Dr. Shu Zhang, recipient of the NUS Presidential Young Professorship (PYP), is a cancer genomics researcher with expertise in ecDNA biology, single-cell multi-omics, long-read sequencing, and functional genomics. Her work has led to and contributed to publications in Cell, Nature, and Nature Genetics, with a particular focus on how ecDNA drives oncogenic transcription, tumour heterogeneity, and cancer evolution.

We are seeking a highly organised and hands-on Research Assistant who will play a key role in establishing and maintaining the day-to-day operations of the laboratory. This position is particularly suited to candidates with experience or strong interest in laboratory administration and management, while also being comfortable performing basic molecular and cellular experiments.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities includes:

• Support the setup and daily operation of a newly established laboratory, including laboratory organisation, documentation, safety procedures, and workflow establishment.
• Coordinate procurement and vendor communication, including obtaining quotations, ordering reagents and consumables, purchasing equipment, and following up on delivery, installation, servicing, and maintenance.
• Support laboratory safety, biosafety, compliance, waste management, and routine documentation in accordance with NUS and CSI requirements.
• Coordinate routine maintenance and servicing of laboratory equipment and ensure equipment and shared laboratory resources remain operational.
• Organise, maintain, and document cancer cell lines, frozen stocks, biological samples, and related experimental records.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture and basic molecular and cellular biology experiments, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, Western blotting, and related assays.
• Support fluorescence imaging, sequencing sample preparation, quality control, and established sequencing workflows.
• Assist with research projects related to ecDNA biology and cancer genomics as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Genomics, or a related discipline.
• Prior experience with laboratory administration, laboratory operations, procurement, inventory management, or laboratory setup is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques is required.
• Good understanding of laboratory safety and research practices.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Comfortable communicating with vendors, administrative teams, core facilities, and laboratory members.
• Able to work independently, manage multiple operational tasks, and proactively solve day-to-day laboratory issues.
• Interest in ecDNA biology, cancer genomics, and sequencing-based cancer research is highly desirable.
• Ability to use AI tools effectively while maintaining independent judgment and critical thinking.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and will have the opportunity to help establish the laboratory from its early stage while contributing to research in ecDNA and cancer genomics.

How to Apply

Please submit your application with the following:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• A brief statement outlining your research experience, interests, and motivation
• Contact details of 2-3 referees