Job Description

The Immune Cell Manufacturing Group at the Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), A*STAR is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to conduct exciting research to investigate changes in the genome and transcriptome of cells from selected food animal species undergoing long-term culture for cultivated meat (CM) applications. In addition, the presence of DNA and/or RNA viruses in CM cells will be interrogated via next-generation sequencing and mycoplasma contamination will be regularly monitored. These studies will ultimately contribute to establishing safety or risk assessment criteria informing the regulatory approval of CM and strengthen the global leadership of the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in regulatory science pertaining to novel foods in general. Interested candidates should preferably have strong expertise in utilizing and customizing bioinformatics-related work packages using R and/or Python, to analyze data generated particularly by whole-genome or transcriptome sequencing. Candidates can expect to work closely with scientists from other research groups and with relevant industry partners to advance regulatory science in novel foods such as CM to realize in part Singapore's 30 by 30 vision of enhancing food sustainability and security.
Responsibilities include:

• Genome and transcriptome profiling by next-generation sequencing of CM cell lines
• Analysis of WGS and transcriptome sequences for genomic variants
• Working closely in a multi-disciplinary team with scientists from other BTI groups, FRESH@NTU and SFA
• Collaborating effectively with industry partners to deliver key objectives of the grant
• Communicating scientific results to a variety of audience in written and oral formats
• Preparing and conducting regular updates of project progress
• Upholding high standards of research integrity, documentation and laboratory safety

Job Requirements
Qualification & Field of Study
PhD in Computer Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Statistics or related discipline
Min. Years of Experience
1 to 2 years of working in food science (e.g. CM) laboratory or industry is advantageous but not essential.
Other Requirements (e.g. Skills, Competencies)
The ideal candidate should have deep knowledge and expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based WGS and RNA-seq sample preparation and data analysis. The ideal candidate should be familiar with Unix/Linux operating system, R and/or Python programming languages and statistical analyses. Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA and RNA isolation, real-time PCR and droplet digital PCR would be advantageous. In addition, he or she should demonstrate independence and creativity of thought, possess strong problem-solving skills and the capacity to deliver quality results within tight deadlines. Supported by a strong track record of publications, the candidate can expect to participate in grant applications and manuscript preparation for career advancement.
The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.