Research Assistant

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), a partnership between Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Imperial College London, is committed to training doctors who place patients at the centre of exemplary care. Guided by its vision to redefine medicine and transform healthcare, LKCMedicine advances research through impactful discoveries with national and global relevance. The School's research focuses on five key areas: Neuroscience and Mental Health, Population and Global Health, Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Nutrition, Metabolism and Health, and Skin Diseases and Wound Repair. These programmes address Singapore's evolving healthcare needs, including those of a rapidly ageing population, and are supported by cross cutting strengths in Data Science, Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and Microbiome Medicine.

The JChen Lab, led by Dr. Weiqiang (Javier) Chen, Assistant Professor of Viral Immunopathogenesis, is part of the Respiratory and Infectious Diseases programme and is building a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment to uncover how viral infections drive inflammation, neurological injury, and musculoskeletal disease. The lab integrates molecular virology, immunology, and advanced disease models to investigate how emerging viral infections reprogram host immune responses and disrupt tissue homeostasis across organ systems, with a central focus on viral immunopathogenesis and host responses.

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support research projects in the JChen Lab focused on viral immunopathogenesis, including mechanisms of neuroinflammation and musculoskeletal disease.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory experiments using molecular, cellular, and virology-based techniques under appropriate biosafety conditions

• Assist in the execution of research projects, including experimental setup, data collection, and documentation

• Prepare reagents, maintain cell cultures, and operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation

• Assist with data analysis and organization, including preparation of figures and summaries for reports and presentations

• Support the development and optimization of experimental protocols as directed

• Assist with ordering, inventory management, and procurement of laboratory supplies and reagents

• Support compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, including biosafety (IBC), animal ethics (IACUC), and human research (IRB) protocols where applicable

• Contribute to general laboratory operations, including maintenance of shared resources and coordination of workflows

• Participate in lab meetings and support coordination of collaborative research activities

Key Competencies and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field

• 0-3 years of relevant laboratory experience

• Experience with molecular or cellular biology techniques (e.g. cell culture, qPCR, Western blot, or related assays)

• Ability to perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and maintain accurate laboratory records

• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment

• Good problem solving and critical thinking skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.