Job Title: Senior Research Fellow (Life Sciences Institute, Neurobiology)
University-Level Unit: Life Sciences Institute
Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Research & Programmes
Employee Category: Research Staff
Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus
Posting Start Date: 26/08/2026
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated
Senior Research Scientist to join the Neurobiology Research Programme at the Life Sciences Institute (LSI), under the leadership of Professor Rickie Patani.
The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research in neurobiology, ageing and neurological disease, with opportunities to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying health and disease using a range of experimental approaches. The role is suited to an experienced wet-lab researcher with expertise in areas such as molecular and cellular biology, stem cell biology, neuroscience, disease modelling, imaging, genetics or related biomedical disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to independently conduct research, develop experimental approaches and contribute to collaborative projects within the Programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, conduct and lead independent and collaborative research projects in neurobiology and related areas.
- Develop, optimise and apply cellular, molecular and experimental models to investigate biological mechanisms relevant to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Conduct laboratory experiments involving appropriate biological systems, including cell lines, primary cells, stem-cell-derived models and/or animal models, as relevant to the research programme.
- Apply a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques to investigate disease mechanisms, cellular function and biological pathways.
- Develop and optimise experimental assays, including functional, biochemical, imaging and phenotypic assays.
- Where appropriate, utilise approaches such as stem cell differentiation, gene editing, RNA-based technologies, microscopy, flow cytometry and molecular profiling.
- Analyse, interpret and present experimental data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative approaches.
- Contribute to research involving neurodegeneration, neuronal biology, ageing, RNA biology, cellular dysfunction or other areas aligned with the Programme's research priorities.
- Collaborate with researchers across disciplines and contribute to multidisciplinary research projects.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to research assistants, research associates, students and junior researchers where appropriate.
- Contribute to laboratory management, research planning, experimental protocols and maintenance of good laboratory practices.
- Prepare manuscripts, research reports, presentations and other scientific outputs.
- Contribute to grant applications, research proposals and other research development activities.
- Present research findings at internal and external seminars, conferences and scientific meetings.
- Maintain accurate research records and ensure compliance with relevant institutional, laboratory and research requirements.
Qualifications
Requirements
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology or a related discipline.
- Substantial postdoctoral or research experience in experimental biomedical research.
- Strong hands-on experience in relevant wet-lab research techniques and experimental methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, conduct, troubleshoot and interpret research experiments.
- Strong scientific track record with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Ability to manage research projects and work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, written and verbal communication skills.
Preference
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:
- Neurobiology or neuroscience research.
- Neurodegenerative or neurological disease research.
- Stem cell biology and differentiation.
- Cellular or molecular disease modelling.
- RNA biology and gene expression.
- Gene editing or genetic manipulation.
- Advanced microscopy and imaging.
- Flow cytometry and quantitative cellular assays.
- Primary human cells, patient-derived models or organoid systems.
- Animal models of neurological disease or ageing.
- Drug discovery, therapeutic development or phenotypic screening.
- Basic computational or bioinformatics skills, including the use of R and/or Python, would be an advantage.
Req ID: 28607
