Long Description

This is an exciting opportunity to join the A*STAR Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI). SIFBI’s core capabilities span synthetic biology, nutrition, and digestive health, with applications across food, nutrition, and consumer care. Its mission is to position Singapore as a leading global innovation hub, delivering value to the FMCG and ingredient solutions industries while supporting national priorities in food resilience and healthy longevity. This role is well suited for individuals who are motivated to see technology translated into real-world impact, and who are comfortable navigating the intersection of industry, government, and academia.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design, construct, and optimize microbial strains for the production of target molecules, with a focus on yield, titer, and productivity
2. Perform microplate- and flask-scale cultivations to evaluate strain performance and guide iterative design improvements
3. Analyze experimental data related to cell growth, metabolism, and product formation to inform strain engineering strategies
4. Collaborate with fermentation scientists to assess strain robustness and performance at 1 L scale and beyond, and refine designs accordingly
5. Maintain accurate and well-organized experimental records; communicate progress, results, and next steps in regular team meetings
6. Propose and drive new experimental directions by integrating literature insights, internal data, and modeling approaches

Qualifications

1. PhD in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
2. Strong expertise in molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques (e.g., Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate cloning, CRISPR-based genome editing)
3. Experience with analytical techniques such as LC-MS or HPLC
4. Have experience working with bioreactors
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently, troubleshoot complex biological systems, and communicate effectively within a team
6. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities