Job Description

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) trains doctors who put patients at the centre of their exemplary care. The School, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programmes, is named after local philanthropist Tan Sri Dato Lee Kong Chian. Established in 2010 by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in partnership with Imperial College London, LKCMedicine aims to be a model for innovative medical education and a centre for transformative research. The School's primary clinical partner is the National Healthcare Group, a leader in public healthcare recognised for the quality of its medical expertise, facilities and teaching. The School is transitioning to an NTU medical school ahead of the 2028 successful conclusion of the NTU-Imperial partnership to set up a Joint Medical School. In August 2024, we welcomed our first intake of the NTU MBBS programme, that has been recently enhanced to include themes like precision medicine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with an expanded scope in the medical humanities. Graduates from the five-year undergraduate medical degree programme will have a strong understanding of the scientific basis of medicine, with an emphasis on technology, data science and the humanities.
We are looking for a Research Associate / Research Assistant to work with Dr Liu Meng at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University. The role will focus on investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) using human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids. The successful candidate will be involved in organoid culture, CRISPR-based gene editing, transcriptomic and multi-omics analyses, and drug screening to identify potential therapeutic targets. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work at the interface of stem cell biology, kidney disease modeling, and regenerative medicine in a collaborative and translational research environment.
Key Responsibilities:Conduct culture, maintenance, and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids. Perform molecular and cellular assays, including immunostaining, microscopy, and flow cytometry. Assist in single-cell transcriptomic, multi-omics, and spatial omics experiments and data analysis. Implement CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing and functional studies in kidney organoids. Support drug screening and phenotypic assays for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) modeling. Maintain detailed laboratory records and contribute to data interpretation and reporting. Collaborate with lab members on experimental design, troubleshooting, and dissemination of findings.

Competencies and Qualification Requirements:Bachelor's degree (for Research Assistant) / Master's degree (for Research Associate) in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, or related fields. At least 2-5 years of relevant hands-on experience in stem cell biology, organoid culture, or related experimental work (for Research Associate; entry-level candidates welcome for Research Assistant). Strong familiarity with human pluripotent stem cell culture, kidney organoid differentiation, and basic molecular biology techniques. Proficient in single-cell transcriptomics, multi-omics assays, and bioinformatic analysis (preferred for Research Associate). Excellent written and oral communication skills in English for reporting and collaboration. Competent in experimental design, data analysis, and visualization, including familiarity with software such as R, Python, or GraphPad Prism. Demonstrates attention to detail, meticulous laboratory practices, and excellent organizational skills. Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment, meet deadlines, and troubleshoot experiments efficiently. + Enthusiastic, proactive, and motivated to contribute to a translational research lab focused on kidney disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

Hiring Institution: LKC