Senior/Research Fellow, Skin Biology [LKCMedicine]

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) trains doctors who put patients at the centre of their exemplary care. The School, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programmes, is named after local philanthropist Tan Sri Dato Lee Kong Chian. Established in 2010 by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in partnership with Imperial College London, LKCMedicine aims to be a model for innovative medical education and a centre for transformative research. The Schools primary clinical partner is the National Healthcare Group, a leader in public healthcare recognised for the quality of its medical expertise, facilities and teaching. The School is transitioning to an NTU medical school ahead of the 2028 successful conclusion of the NTU-Imperial partnership to set up a Joint Medical School. In August 2024, we welcomed our first intake of the NTU MBBS programme, that has been recently enhanced to include themes like precision medicine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with an expanded scope in the medical humanities. Graduates from the five-year undergraduate medical degree programme will have a strong understanding of the scientific basis of medicine, with an emphasis on technology, data science and the humanities.

The Skin Research Institute of Singapore is a world-class research institute that focuses on translating the latest innovations in skin biology into practical applications for dermatology and personal care. We work closely with industry to realize our vision. SRIS is deeply integrated into Singapores research ecosystem, ensuring its continued scientific excellence and providing its staff with the best opportunities for professional growth and development. Within SRIS, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicines Skin Program focuses on inflammation and immunology, with a strong translational pipeline integrating world-leading upstream research with expertise in drug delivery and clinical dermatology.

We are looking to hire a Senior/Research Fellow to develop and conduct a complex medium-throughput assay using 3D skin models, as well as design and implement methods for validating screening hits. The work is part of a high-stakes project that looks to develop a new class of drug for the treatment of intractable skin disorders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive, critical review of relevant literature and available assays
• Recommend any improvements to the strategy for assay development, including validation and QC
• Work with other team members to guarantee consistent, reliable supply of skin models
• Design, implement and run assays, analyse and evaluate outcomes using both imaging and molecular biology methods including confocal microscopy and RNAscope
• Design and conduct any downstream, secondary assays for hit validation and lead optimization
• Work with the PIs to supervise any outsourced related activities
• Serve as a subject matter expert on skin biology and related subjects
• Work closely with other scientists in the project to ensure smooth flow of data and materials between work packages
• Provide regular communication with the funder and other stakeholders

Competencies and Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum of PhD and 5 years post-doctoral experience in skin biology or closely related field
• Experience with high-throughput (phenotypic) screening and automated imaging solutions
• Conversant with 2D and 3D skin models including skin explants
• Expertise in advanced imaging methods and molecular biology techniques
• Having worked with industry partners in the past
• Willing to work in a highly structured project environment
• Able to function independently
• Structured and disciplined in the conduct of research work
• Able to deal with time pressure