Job Description

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Assistant on a 12-month contract at the

Project Title: Molecular biology of temperature-induced bleaching and subsequent recovery in the giant clam, Tridacna squamosa [RI6/22 CSF and RS5/23 CSF]

Project Introduction:

Giant clams are marine bivalve mollusks that live in symbiosis with extracellular symbiotic dinoflagellates (zooxanthellae), which are phototrophic. They inhabit shallow reef waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific. Tridacna squamosa, a species of giant clams can be found in Singapore waters, albeit with dwindling populations. Due to the rise in ocean temperature, giant clams like scleractinian corals can undergo bleaching i.e., they lose their symbionts and become whitish in color. However, studies have revealed that eight months after the bleaching event, the mortality rate of the bleached clams under natural conditions was
5%, while those of some coral species under the same conditions were
99%. Thus, giant clams have a higher tolerance to bleaching and can recover from bleaching better than corals. Currently, there is a dearth of knowledge on the molecular biology of bleaching and the subsequent recovery process in giant clams. Therefore, the objective of this study is to use biochemical, molecular (including cloning, sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting) and immunohistochemical methods to elucidate the mechanisms and processes related to bleaching and recovery from bleaching in T. squamosa.

Requirements

• At least a bachelor degree in Biology from a reputable university
• At least 1 year of working experience in a research laboratory
• Must know molecular biology techniques like cloning, sequencing, gel electrophoresis, PCR and quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting
• have good communication and organizational skills
• have good interpersonal skills
• be a good team-player
• be proactive and able to work independently

Responsibilities

• Requisition and purchasing matters
• Daily maintenance of live specimens in the aquarium
• Perform biochemical and molecular biology experiments on the giant clams
• Maintenance of the research laboratories and aquarium
• Guidance of undergraduates in their final year projects
• Carry out literature search using search engines e.g. Web of Science, google scholar etc.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Principal Investigator

Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 14 calendar days from date of posting.

Hiring Institution: NIE

Nanyang Technological University