Job Description

The Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Fellow in Tumor Immunology and Organoid Models to lead and contribute to cutting-edge research in tumor-immune interactions and the development of organoid models. This position is offered in the Laboratory of Inflammation, Epigenetics and Translational Oncology which is focused on understanding the mechanisms of metastasis and treatment resistance in aggressive cancers during inflammation signalling. The laboratory integrates approaches in cancer biology, immunology, and spatial/single-cell transcriptomics, with a particular emphasis on developing clinically relevant organoid and co-culture models to study the tumor microenvironment and identify novel therapeutic strategies.

We seek an exceptional scientist with strong expertise in tumour immunology, spatial biology and organoid models to contribute to interdisciplinary projects focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing tumor-immune interactions, inflammatory signalling and therapeutic resistance in cancer. The successful candidate will work closely with clinician scientists and wet/dry-lab researchers to drive high-impact publications and therapeutic target discovery. Candidates are expected to lead research projects and publications, as well as contribute to grant writing and mentoring of junior researchers/PhD or FYP students alongside the PI.

Research Areas

Projects may involve:

• Tumor-immune cell interactions and inflammatory signalling in the microenvironment
• Cancer organoid and co-culture model development/validation
• Tumor microenvironment and immune evasion mechanisms
• RNA regulatory pathways in cancer and inflammation
• Translational studies aimed at therapeutic target discovery and validation

Key Responsibilities

• Lead independent and collaborative research projects in the characterization of tumor-immune cell interactions and oncogenic transcriptional programs, including the development of patient-derived cancer organoid models for validation in vitro and in vivo.
• Design, execute and oversee mechanistic studies to characterize tumor-immune interactions in vitro and in vivo using molecular and immunological approaches including multicolor flow cytometry, immune cell/cytokine profiling, spatial transcriptomics, multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, CRISPR genome editing, mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Develop and optimize tumor organoid and immune co-culture systems.
• Perform in vivo experiments using syngeneic, orthotopic and/or humanized mouse tumor models.
• Analyze and interpret multi-omics and/or immunological datasets.
• Contribute substantially to the preparation and writing of high-impact manuscripts and grant applications.
• Ensure good organization and documentation of all experimental procedures and data, including clinical samples from collaborators.
• Assist in the writing of ethical permits (e.g. IRB, IACUC), patent applications and review meetings.
• Mentor junior researchers, PhD or FYP students, fostering a productive and supportive lab environment.
• Present findings at internal meetings and international conferences.

Key Qualifications/Requirements

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated track record of leading research projects independently and first authored publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals essential.
• Prior experience in leading cancer immunology projects and generation of organoid models will be highly advantageous.
• Strong expertise in a range of cancer and immunology research methodologies including mammalian cell culture, lentivirus production and transduction, FACS, immunohistochemistry, immune cell/cytokine profiling, generation of in vivo cancer models, CRISPR-based perturbation approaches and modern molecular biology methods.
• Proficient in the characterization of mouse tumor models and organoid culture systems.
• Experience with spatial transcriptomics and computational analysis of transcriptomic datasets will be highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in scientific writing and presentation of research findings.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Committed and able to work flexible hours.

We offer

• A highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of cancer biology, immunology, RNA biology, and translational oncology.
• Opportunities to develop independent research directions, access state-of-the-art technologies and core facilities, and engage in collaborations with clinical researchers.
• Career development support through mentorship, scientific training, conference participation and opportunities for high-impact publications and fellowship applications.
• A fully funded position with an internationally competitive salary.

Interested candidates are invited to apply with a cover letter stating your research interests and experience, curriculum vitae and the names and email addresses of three references.