Description

The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), A*STAR, invites applications for a Scientist/Senior Scientist to join a multi-institutional effort to develop an end-to-end platform for novel RNA target identification and small-molecule discovery for cancer therapeutics. This programme integrates RNA structural biology, functional genomics and chemical biology to uncover and therapeutically exploit RNA vulnerabilities in cancer. This position will be jointly supervised by Dr Wan Yue (Executive Director, Laboratory of RNA Genomics and Structure) and Professor Patrick Tan (Distinguished Principal Scientist, Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetic Regulation).

Why join us?

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of RNA structural biology and cancer genomics within a highly collaborative, well-resourced research ecosystem. The successful candidate will contribute to building an RNA-targeted therapeutic discovery pipeline with strong translational potential.

About the Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetic Regulation

Led by an internationally recognized leader in Asian gastrointestinal cancer research, the Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetic Regulation applies integrative genomic and epigenomic approaches to address fundamental biological and translational questions in cancer. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Cell, Cancer Discovery, Nature Genetics, and Science, the laboratory has made seminal contributions to understanding the molecular basis of cancer heterogeneity, lineage plasticity, and therapeutic resistance. The laboratory combines large-scale patient genomics, functional perturbation screens, epigenomic profiling, and advanced computational analyses to identify novel cancer drivers and develop rational diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

About the Laboratory of RNA Genomics and Structure

The Laboratory of RNA Genomics and Structure is internationally recognized for pioneering work in cutting-edge technologies to interrogate RNA structures at scale. Widely regarded as a thought leader in the field of RNA structure and RNA-centric gene regulation, the laboratory has a track record of influential publications in leading journals including Nature Biotechnology, Nature Methods and Molecular Cell. A central mission of the laboratory is to move beyond descriptive RNA structure maps toward mechanistic and therapeutic insights by understanding how RNAs function in microbial and mammalian systems. Working at the interface of technology development, RNA structural biology, and disease genomics, the laboratory provides a dynamic and intellectually rigorous environment for scientists interested in transforming RNA biology into therapeutic innovation.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a central role in advancing an integrated discovery platform spanning both scientific research and programme management.

Scientific Leadership and Discovery

• Lead the design and execution of experiments related to identification of structurally defined RNA regulatory elements in cancer and functional validation of RNA targets using genetic and molecular perturbation approaches.
• Interpret complex multi-omic datasets to generate testable biological hypotheses.
• Provide scientific leadership within the programme by proposing innovative directions, refining research strategy, and ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Mentor research officers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing research environment.
• Prepare high-impact manuscripts and contribute to intellectual property generation arising from programme discoveries.
• Present research findings at internal reviews, conferences, and to academic and industry stakeholders.

Programme Management

• Coordinate and integrate activities across work packages, ensuring scientific alignment, timely execution, and cross-work package synergy.

• Track programme progress against defined milestones, deliverables, and KPIs, and proactively identify risks, bottlenecks, and mitigation strategies.
• Lead preparation of grant reports to funding agencies, including consolidation of inputs from multiple investigators and institutions.
• Oversee grant administration processes in partnership with institutional research offices, including budget tracking, resource allocation, and compliance with funding requirements.
• Organize and manage programme meetings, including agenda setting, documentation of outcomes, and follow-up on action items.
• Maintain structured documentation of programme outputs, including publications, IP filings, datasets, and translational milestones.
• Facilitate communication between scientific and industry collaborators.

Skills/Background:

Scientist:

• PhD in molecular biology, genomics, RNA biology, cancer biology, or a related field
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., Cell culture, Transfection/Transduction, Western Blot, qPCR and Molecular cloning etc).
• Experience with next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques
• Knowledge of programming skills (e.g., R and/or Python etc) will be advantageous.
• Some experience with NGS data analysis will be advantageous.
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Highly motivated and demonstrated ability to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams

Senior Scientist (in addition to above):

• Significant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience
• Proven track record of scientific leadership and project management
• Experience mentoring research staff