We invite applications for a Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research team led by Dr. Sing Yian Chew (NTU) and Prof. Shawn Je (Duke-NUS). The successful candidate will contribute to an ongoing research program focused on neural tissue engineering, in vivo spinal cord injury (SCI) models, and regenerative biomaterials.

The project aims to assess innovative cell transplantation strategies and tissue-engineered scaffolds for promoting in vivo neural tissue regeneration. The candidate will assist rat SCI microsurgery, carry out behavioural assessments and advanced tracing, as well as imaging approaches to study scaffold-cell-tissue interactions.

The focus of this project is to evaluate cell transplantation and tissue engineered scaffolds for in vivo neural tissue regeneration. We are seeking an individual who is experienced in working with rodents and interested in assisting in animal implantation studies, as well as carrying out behavioural tests; and characterizing/evaluating scaffold-cell/tissue interactions through immunofluorescent and histochemical staining and imaging.

The candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof. Sing Yian CHEW and Prof. Shawn JE. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply in vivo experimentation skills to neural tissue engineering, through strong collaborative efforts with scientists and engineers across different local and overseas institutions (SMART/MIT, University of Osaka, Nagoya University, NUS).

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct and assist in vivo experiments using rat SCI models

• Assist in microsurgical procedures, cell/scaffold implantation, and conduct animal behavioral evaluations

• Carry out tract tracing, immunofluorescent and histochemical staining and confocal imaging

• Assist in data analysis, interpretation of experimental outcomes, and preparation of manuscripts for publication

• Supervise and train junior researchers and contribute to laboratory management

• Participate in multidisciplinary collaborations within and beyond NTU

Job Requirements:

• Master’s in biomedical engineering, Neuroscience, or a related discipline

• Demonstrated expertise in handling rodents and carrying out behavioral tests.

• Demonstrated expertise in animal surgery, preferably SCI microsurgery in rodents is a plus

• Hands-on experience with tract tracing, tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, histology, and confocal microscopy

• Experience with western blotting and qRT-PCR is advantageous

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Highly motivated, well-organized, and capable of independent work and teamwork

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.