job description
Unlock the Mysteries of the Human Brain at GIS
Are you a visionary researcher passionate about the intersection of stem cell biology and neuroscience? The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), a flagship research institute under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), is looking for a driven Scientist to join the Laboratory of Neural Organoids and Precision Neurobiology. In this role, you will be at the cutting edge of regenerative medicine, utilizing advanced bioengineering and genomic techniques to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain.
As part of our dynamic and multidisciplinary team, you will focus on developing high-fidelity human brain organoid models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These 'brains-in-a-dish' are essential for modeling complex neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, allowing for unprecedented insights into disease mechanisms and the development of precision therapies. You will work within Biopolis, Singapore’s premier biomedical research hub, gaining access to world-class core facilities and collaborating with leading experts in genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical research.
We are seeking a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is eager to push the boundaries of what is possible in precision neurobiology. This position offers a unique platform to translate basic scientific discoveries into meaningful clinical applications, contributing to the global effort to combat neurological disorders.
Responsibility
- Lead the design and execution of experimental workflows for the differentiation of human iPSCs into specialized 3D neural organoids.
- Utilize CRISPR/Cas9 and other genome-editing technologies to generate disease-specific models and reporter cell lines.
- Perform high-resolution imaging and spatial transcriptomics to characterize organoid morphology and cellular composition.
- Analyze multi-omic datasets (single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics) to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to integrate engineering solutions for organoid scaling and standardization.
- Prepare and present high-quality research findings in top-tier peer-reviewed journals and at international scientific conferences.
- Contribute to the drafting of grant proposals and manage laboratory resources to ensure project milestones are met.
- Mentor junior researchers and students, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning.
Qualifications
- PhD in Neuroscience, Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 0-3 years of post-doctoral experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience in human iPSC culture, maintenance, and 3D organoid differentiation protocols.
- Strong technical proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.
- Demonstrated experience with advanced microscopy (confocal, light-sheet) and digital image analysis.
- Proven track record of research productivity as evidenced by first-author publications in reputable journals.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex biological data and troubleshoot experimental challenges.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cohesively in a diverse team environment.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for transcriptomic data analysis is highly desirable.