Research Officer

Programme Overview

The SingHealth Translation- and Application-driven RNA Research (STARR) Programme is designed to bring together clinician-scientists and bench researchers across the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre. By combining clinical and scientific expertise, the initiative aims to build a strong RNA research capability that can support early-stage discovery, validation, and clinical assessment of RNA vaccines and therapeutics. The programme also connects with the wider national RNA biology network.

Role Summary

As a Research Officer, you will contribute to a wide spectrum of laboratory and research work focused on novel RNA therapeutics. You will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator or an assigned delegate and support both experimental and operational activities in the lab.

Key Duties

• Assist in creating lipid-based RNA therapeutic formulations.
• Help develop and verify analytical methods used to assess drug substances, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, PCR sequencing, LC-MS, and ELISA.
• Participate in product characterization work using tools such as HPLC, DLS, capillary electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, and ELISA.
• Record, review, and report experimental results with accuracy, following ISO accreditation standards and established research documentation practices.
• Support the handling of clinical samples linked to STARR-supported trials, including receiving, collecting, tracking inventory, and analysing samples.
• Carry out maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment while adhering to quality management and safety requirements.
• Provide operational support for the laboratory, including consumables procurement, equipment servicing coordination, risk assessment preparation, and drafting of safety SOPs.
• Help maintain laboratory order and cleanliness, reinforce safety procedures, and offer technical support for ongoing projects.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by the Principal Investigator or programme management.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Prior exposure to nanomaterials production and characterization is an added advantage.
• Experience working with instruments and assays such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, UV-Vis, and qPCR will be beneficial.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments at the same time and contribute across several projects.
• Strong collaboration skills, a motivated attitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in an interdisciplinary and diverse team.

Additional Information

This is a full-time onsite role based in Singapore. The employer notes that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted due to the expected volume of applications.