Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to study infection and transmission mechanisms of zoonotic viruses in the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme (ID TRP) and the Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The ID TRP is pooling efforts of prominent scientists from multiple disciplines and committed to human infectious diseases closely relevant to Singapore and the region. The Department of Biochemistry provides intimate supports in lipidomics, bioinformatics and synthetic biology.

Appointments will be made on a three-year contract basis with the possibility of extension. The University, Programme and Department provide customised trainings and grant opportunities for early career researchers.

Working in the group of Assistant Professor QU Kun at the ID TRP and the Department of Biochemistry, the Research Fellow will conduct a project aimed at studying the pathogenesis of viral infections at cellular and molecular levels, and developing novel vaccines and therapeutic targets. The Qu lab (https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/bch/faculty/qu-kun/) is funded by the start-up award of the NUS Presidential Young Professorship. We utilise biological techniques to produce virus particles and viral proteins, and visualise them in situ or in vitro using cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging.

The Research Fellow is expected to:

• Carry out scientific research aimed at understanding the assembly and transmission mechanisms of zoonotic viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza;

• Introduce and apply a wide range of techniques to study virus assembly and attachment;

• Present scientific work at internal meetings and external conferences;

• Draft scientific manuscripts and prepare high-quality images for publication;

• Contribute to scientific discussions and assist with other duties in the lab;

• Interact and collaborate with other members within the research team, across the programme, and from external groups;

• Maintain high standard of professional conduct and record keeping in accordance with scientific integrity, biosafety policies and procedures;

• Report to and discuss with the PI to ensure the project is performed in accordance with good practice.

The applicant must or should:

• Behave with scientific integrity and honesty;

• Hold a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering or related disciplines, or due to complete Ph.D. within 6 months;

• Have excellent expertise in protein engineering, including expression and purification;

• Have handy experience with microfluidics, biopolymers or other biomaterial characterization techniques;

• Be able to work independently and be passionate about science;

• Be able to communicate and work with others in an open manner.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For full consideration, please submit the cover letter, CV, names and contact information of 3 references to Dr QU Kun ([log in to unmask]) and Ms Mayvien Teo ([log in to unmask]). Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.