Research Assistant / Research Associate [LKCMedicine]

The Hwei-Ee Tan lab studies the fundamental biological basis of “gut-feelings”, how bacteria in the gut signals to the host to influence physiology and behaviour. Using mice as a mammalian model, the lab investigates how diet and microbiome factors modulates host phenotypes (e.g. food reward, anxiety behaviours, etc). Besides supporting curiosity-driven basic research on the gut-brain axis, his lab is also studying the brain-gut axis, to uncover host-microbe interactions. His lab’s work is multidisciplinary, the research scope covers diverse skills from molecular biology to systems neuroscience, physiology and behaviour. With top-tier research support from National Research Foundation Singapore, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD), etc, his lab at NTU LKCMedicine is actively recruiting talented postdoctoral research fellows, research assistants, and interns, and also open to sponsoring motivated PhD/Masters students. A short-term or part-time research assistantship may also be arranged for motivated trainees. Applicants are strongly encouraged to look up the lab’s website and email the PI with a cover letter and a CV/resume.

Key Responsibilities:

• The applicant must be exceptionally self-motivated, a team player, willing to assist with essential lab duties and learn new skills, and is expected to have relevant experience in one or more of these areas (e.g. mice/rodent handling, optogenetics and behaviours, animal surgery and dissection, calcium imaging, gnotobiotic studies and microbiome analysis, etc).
• The research assistant will learn and assist with a range of work, including but not limited to molecular biology and histology procedures, microscopy, rodent behavioural assays, neuroscience optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques, functional recording and calcium imaging, mice surgery, data analysis and presentation, lab maintenance and office/administrative help.

Key Competencies / Requirements:

• Hold a Diploma or Bachelor degree in Biology or relevant disciplines
• Have a keen interest in the lab’s research theme on the microbiome gut brain neuroscience
• Be proficient in relevant techniques described above
• Be highly motivated and conscientious
• Work independently, and also have the ability to work effectively in a team
• Have good organisational, verbal and interpersonal skills