Research

CAREERS

Expertise for Research fellows

The Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is a unique interdisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence (RCE) established to explore and translate the life of microbial biofilms into environmental and public health solutions, with significant economic benefits for Singapore. SCELSE is hosted by the Nanyang Technological University in partnership with the National University of Singapore and will ensure the challenges of clean water and public heath will be met with environmentally sustainable solutions for Singaporeans well into the future.

SCELSE researchers unravel the biology of microbial biofilm communities in environmental and engineered systems using a combination of experimental and observational approaches that span multiple levels of biological organisation, with the broad aim of understanding communal metabolic capacity, diversity and regulation, and their impact on system level properties. Specific approaches and methods include: metagenomics and related functional 'omics approaches (metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and meta-metabolomics), computational systems biology and bioinformatics, high-throughout chemical screens and chemical genomics, advanced imaging systems, the use of nanotechnological approaches to manipulate surface chemistry, and the development of new microbial ecological theory for understanding biofilm community behaviour in the face of environmental stress.

We are currently seeking exceptionally talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to work on one or more of the major programs of the Centre. Applicants with a demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary, collaborative and integrative settings are particularly welcome to submit a full CV, including academic qualifications, research records and names and contact details of two referees, to the Research Cluster Heads.

Specific project areas are:

Experimental biofilm-driven bioprocesses.
Experimental multispecies biofilm ecology.
Development & differentiation of microbial biofilm communities.
Interactions of aerobic/anoxic microbial processes in used water treatment.
Metagenomics & metatranscriptomics of microbial biofilm communities.
Experimental and computational systems biology of microbial biofilm communities.
High resolution imaging and fluorescence sensing of developing biofilm communities.
Chemical biology for novel antibiofilm control.
Experimental animal host/biofilm community interaction.

Research Assistant (C4)

Responsibilities:

Assist investigator or supervisor with research studies, experiments and assays, and collection of data which i.e. RT-PCR, Protein expression and purification, Bacterial cultivation and maintenance, Biofilm assay.
Maintains files on research and lab operations which includes carefully document experimental research procedures performed, assist with laboratory database management etc.
Assists with general lab preparedness and maintenance i.e. prepare solutions and reagents, implement supply and equipment ordering procedures and set-up and maintain equipment.

Requirements:

A college level degree (e.g. BSc) or above in biology.
Experience in microbiology and biochemistry.
Skilled in at least 2 out of the following technical; molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, RT-PCR.
Experience carrying out functions such as ordering, interacting with sales representatives, and interfacing with administrative staff are a plus.

Interested applicants please attach your full CV, with the names and contacts (including email addresses) of 3 character referees, and all relevant academic certificates to SCELSE-HR@ntu.edu.sg. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Research Assistant (Nucleic Acid Extraction)

An experienced Research Assistant is required to develop, troubleshoot and apply nucleic acid extractions (RNA and DNA) procedures to environmental samples from urban and wastewater settings, for use in high throughput sequencing assays (metagenomic and metatranscriptomic surveys). This position represents an excellent opportuntity to develop skills and experience in working with cutting edge applications areas in applied and translational molecular biology.

Requirements:

A University degree or Polytechnic diploma in molecular biology
Previous experience with RNA extraction is mandatory.
Previous experience working with high-throughput techniques for transcriptomics (expression microarrays, RNA-Seq) would be highly valued.
Ability to work with large numbers of samples.
Ability to troubleshoot and tailor protocols to novel, difficult settings.
Ability and willingness to train and advise graduate on relevant procedures.
A high level of attention to detail is absolutely mandatory.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Research Assistant (Next-Gen Sequencing)

Responsibilities:

Quality control of incoming samples.
DNA/RNA isolation.
Library construction for various next-generation sequencing platforms.
Operation of next-generation sequencing instruments and associated equipment.
Troubleshooting and correction of suboptimal results under the guidance of scientific staff.
Assistance in the improvement of existing protocols for sample preparation and library construction.
General laboratory and instrument maintenance

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field
Background in genomics and molecular biology.
Solid knowledge and hands-on experience with molecular biological methods such as DNA and RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, enzymatic manipulation of DNA and RNA, PCR, is required.
Desire and ability to learn and adapt to rapidly changing protocols and technologies.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
Excellent organizational, documentation and communication skills.
Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies such as Illumina’s reverse terminator technology and Roche 454’s pyrosequencing technology is desired.
Hands-on experience with liquid handling platforms is an advantage.

Research Assistant/Technical Executive (C1)

Responsibilities:

Primarily involved in common research activities across the two partner projects which includes; collection of samples from South Works and digestors at Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Plant (UPWRP), sample storage management, liaising and working with PIs, RF and PhD students, coordination of commissioning of lab reactors, equipment, assistance with conducting tests, purchase of essential equipment and reagents.
Assist Principal Investigator with general project management tasks.
Assist research staff with procurement matters: sourcing, ITQ / tender Documents.
Monitor project budget and assist in preparation of quarterly project claim forms / reports。
Maintain and perform preventive maintenance on the equipment housed in the Bioreactor Engineering Laboratory & Environmental Bio-Engineering Laboratory.
General housekeeping of the Bioreactor Engineering Laboratory and ensuring that all work functions in the Bioreactor Engineering Laboratory complies with the health, safety and environmental guidelines set forth by the company and local authorities.
Administer the fixed assets/small value assets purchased under the project i.e. tagging, year-end stock take, audit’s asset sighting.
Coordinating overseas collaborators visits/meetings.

Requirements:

Degree/Polytechnic diploma in Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Microbiology or related fields.
Familiar and comfortable with routine laboratory work and administration work i.e. submission of claim, preparation of reports etc.
Knowledge and experience in related research areas would be an advantage.
Preferably with at least 1 year of relevant research experience and/or industrial background.
Team player with self-motivation and able to work independently.
A very high level of attention to detail is mandatory.
Good written, oral and inter-personal communication skills.
Must be comfortable with frequent outdoor sampling collection.
Must possess Class 3 driving license and be willing and able to drive to sampling locations on a regular basis.

Email: SCELSE-HR@ntu.edu.sg

Research Fellow (C1)

Project description:

This project aims at developing and demonstrating a new strategy to analyze sewage sludge AD systems, based on microbial community information, and thereby to accurately diagnose process performance. Numerically predominant and/or functionally vital microbial players in the anaerobic digesters treating sewage sludge will be identified to provide an insight into the biology of key community members, which will enable physical conditions to be adjusted for optimal performance. A comprehensive microbial database, associated with process data, will be constructed for each sewage sludge digester studied, providing much needed references for other digesters. An integrated system model will be developed for each sewage sludge digester studied, enabling more accurate process diagnosis. The predictive capability will be tested.

Responsibilities:

Conduct scientific research in and provide day-to-day management of a EWI funded project on anaerobic digestors at Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Plant (UPWRP) and Changi Water Reclamation Plant, liaising and working with Principal Investigator, other RFs and PhD students, coordination of activities within the overall EWI programme.

Requirements:

PhD in Environmental Biotechnology or Environmental Engineering.
Familiar and comfortable with numerical (modeling) methods and quantitative (mass balance) engineering approaches in bioreactor analysis.
Knowledge and experience in anaerobic digestion of used water/sewage sludge would be a distinct advantage.
Background in environmental microbiology and standard molecular approaches used in bioreactor analysis.
Experience in next generation sequencing, bioinformatics or computational biology would be a distinct advantage.
Preferably with at least 1 year of relevant research experience and/or industrial background.
Team player with self-motivation.
Very good written, oral and inter-personal communication skills.
Excellent leadership qualities.
Must be comfortable with frequent outdoor sampling collection.
Must possess Class 3 driving license and be willing and able to drive to treatment plants on a regular basis.

Email: SCELSE-HR@ntu.edu.sg

Research Fellow (C2)

We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist in the fields of bioinformatics, computational biology or biological data analysis to work in a university based, interdisciplinary collaborative team aiming to develop new approaches to understanding the bioprocesses of wastewater treatment.

Project description:

This position is part of a major new research program funded for 5 years by the Environment and Water Industry (EWI) Programme Office. These projects will utilise the latest developments in next generation sequencing, in conjunction with measurements and analysis of the engineering processes of anerobic digestion and enhanced biological phosphorus removal, to develop an integrated approach to the bioprocessing of wastewater. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to drive elements of these projects relating to analysis, interpretation and translation of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics data. Ideally, applicants will have an excellent general knowledge of bioinformatics and computational biology, along with specialized expertise in one or more of the following areas: statistical bioinformatics, analysis of gene expression and transcriptomics data, or the integrative analysis of multiple types of complex data. In addition to specific technical skills, the ability to work effectively in a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative environment is mandatory.

Responsibilities:

PhD in bioinformatics or computational biology is essential, or a PhD in the quantitative sciences with a commitment to developing a career in the life sciences.
Skill and experience in advanced data analysis, applied statistical methodology and statistical computing is essential.
Programming skills in at least one of R, Python, Java or C/C++ is essential.
Excellent written, oral and inter-personnel communication skills are mandatory.
Demonstrable ability and commitment to working as a member of a complex team.
Some previous experience in microbiology, microbial ecology, or bioprocess engineering would be highly regarded.
Excellent leadership qualities or strong leadership potential.

Individuals should contact Dr Rohan Williams for further discussion at lsirbhw@nus.edu.sg