Job Description

The Laboratory of Skin Stem Cell Dynamics in Health and Disease, headed by Dr. Kenneth Lay, investigates stem cell properties and behaviours that govern skin epithelial barrier function. To support an ongoing NMRC Open Fund – Young Individual Research Grant (OF-YIRG) project led by Dr. Chin Jiah Shin, we are seeking a motivated Research Officer to join our team at A*STAR Skin Research Labs (SRL), a member of the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS). The NMRC-YIRG project focuses on developing advanced human skin organoid systems integrated with biomaterial platforms and preclinical models to study impaired regeneration and skin dysfunction, with the goal of establishing physiologically relevant model systems that guide translational therapeutic development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform experiments involving human pluripotent stem cell culture and the generation of skin organoids
• Conduct and support preclinical animal studies (e.g., rodent skin injury models) in compliance with institutional animal ethics and biosafety guidelines
• Carry out molecular, cellular and histological analyses, including immunofluorescence staining, confocal microscopy, gene and protein expression assays
• Assist in optimization of 3D skin model systems and experimental workflows
• Collect, analyse and document experimental data in accordance with good research practices
• Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables, and support procurement and inventory management
• Contribute to preparation of reports, presentations and manuscripts where appropriate

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, bioengineering or related disciplines
• Prior wet lab experience required; experience in cell culture and/or laboratory animal work is preferred
• Experience with stem cells, organoids, histology, imaging or molecular biology techniques is advantageous
• Familiarity with IACUC procedures and animal handling is a plus
• Able to work independently, take initiative, and troubleshoot experiments
• Detail-oriented, motivated, and committed to academic research
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team

We offer a supportive and stimulating research environment with close mentorship and opportunities for professional development in stem cell and translational skin research.

Please send your curriculum vitae and contact details of at least two referees, indicating “Research Officer (NMRC-YIRG)” in the subject line, to chin_jiah_shin@a-star.edu.sg and cc to kenneth_lay@a-star.edu.sg.