Research Assistant (Mechanobiology Institute)

Job Description

The Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore is a multidisciplinary institute committed to developing new paradigms for biomedical research by focusing on the quantitative analysis of dynamic functional processes. Through quantitative biophysical approaches, we address major problems in biomedical sciences including pathogenesis (from bacterial to cancer), tissue regeneration, and function.

We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant to join Dr. Gianluca Grenci's laboratory on Microfabricated platforms for 3D cell culturing and imaging. This position is offered in the framework of a new research project funded by the Singaporean Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIN).

Project Scope

The project “Zero-G wells: a 3D tissues growing platform for human tissue regeneration study in microgravity conditions” is aimed at studying the effects of gravitational forces on the regulation of cell and tissue homeostasis. To this end, we will engineer an advanced version of our JeWells platform [1] which allows the growth of thousands of organoids in parallel while maintaining full access for standard and advanced microscopies. The effects of mechanical unloading will be tested on different biological models by subjecting them to conditions of hypo- and hyper-gravity. We will make use of simulation tools (with e.g. a Random Positioning Machine, RPM), and 0-g parabolic flight conditions; these experiences will also give the necessary feedback to prepare our set-up in compliance with the experimental conditions and policies required to apply for access to the International Space Station (ISS). 

[1] Beghin A., Grenci G. et al. Automated high-speed 3D imaging of organoid cultures with multi-scale phenotypic quantification. Nat. Methods 19, 881–892 (2022).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the Design and fabrication of the micro-optical platform
• Run experiments with the RPM and collect data
• Help with managing the laboratory
• Collaborate with other team members

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biological sciences, bio-engineering or related fields
• Experience with cell culturing and imaging, ideally 3D cell culture systems (Organoids)
• Previous experience with lab management (consumables, orders, inventory) is welcome
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in an interdisciplinary team
• Highly motivated and independent
• Organized, dedicated and reliable

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Mechanobiology Institute
Department: Research
Employee Referral Eligible: No
Job requisition ID: 21238