Senior Research Fellow (Microbiology)

About SCELSE

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is a leading interdisciplinary research centre jointly hosted by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). SCELSE brings together expertise from the life sciences, engineering, and natural sciences to advance the understanding, engineering, and control of complex microbial communities, including biofilms and microbiomes.

Positioned at the intersection of discovery and application, SCELSE leverages emerging technologies and cross‑disciplinary innovation to address pressing global challenges in health, sustainability, and environmental resilience.

Role Focus

This role will contribute to cutting‑edge research aimed at developing innovative strategies to modulate the gut microbiome for human health. The successful candidate will work within a highly collaborative, forward‑thinking research environment, translating foundational science into impactful insights with potential clinical, nutritional, and therapeutic applications.

SCELSE is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Fellow to lead and coordinate a strategic research program focused on developing and validating the effects of bioactive components on the gut microbiome and biofilms.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for the project, including co‑developing study objectives, work plans, timelines, and experimental strategies in close collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

• Design, lead, and execute experimental workflows, from concept through validation, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.

• Perform and oversee advanced data analysis, translating complex biological data into meaningful insights that support innovation and application.

• Contribute hands‑on experimental support where required, while guiding junior researchers and fostering a high‑performance research culture.

• Engage actively with stakeholders across academia, industry, and other partner organizations to align research outcomes with broader translational and societal impact goals.

Requirements & Qualifications

• PhD in Biological Sciences or a closely related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in microbial ecology and molecular biology, with strong expertise in microbiomes and/or biofilms.

• Demonstrated experience in research or project management, with working knowledge of biostatistics, data analytics, and intellectual property considerations in a research or innovation environment.

• Proven ability to work independently, solve complex scientific problems under tight timelines, and deliver high‑quality outcomes with strong attention to detail.

• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills, with the flexibility to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic setting.

Leadership & Professional Competencies

• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to build productive relationships and credibility with stakeholders at all levels.

• Collaborative mindset with experience working effectively in fast‑paced, multidisciplinary, and cross‑functional teams.

• International research or professional experience is highly desirable, along with an established regional or global professional network.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and presentations.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and a strong commitment to teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.