Research Associate (Neural Tissue Engineering)

A Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Sing Yian CHEW at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, to a highly motivated candidate who has a passion for tissue engineering, scaffold design and drug/gene/cell delivery research. 

The focus of this project is to design tissue scaffolds to impart biophysical signals (contact guidance, mechanical signals) and sustained delivery of biologics to direct cell fate and soft tissue regeneration. We are seeking an individual who is interested in designing, 3D-printing and characterizing novel biodegradable, biocompatible tissue scaffolds with controlled drug/ gene delivery capabilities to direct cell response and soft tissue regeneration, characterizing scaffold-cell/tissue interactions, engineering factors that control the rate and extent of drug/gene delivery, matrix stiffness signaling and scaffold degradation.

This position offers a unique opportunity to apply tissue scaffold engineering and controlled drug/gene delivery skills to soft tissue engineering and stem cell engineering, through strong collaborative efforts with local and overseas academic institutes.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and characterize novel biodegradable, biocompatible materials and tissue scaffolds with controlled drug/gene/cell delivery capabilities for neural tissue engineering & stem cell engineering.

• Design, optimize and fabricate tissue scaffolds for SOFT tissues (e.g. hydrogels, injectable scaffolds, electrospinning, 3D printing)

• Characterize scaffold properties: physical, chemical characteristics, drug/gene release kinetics, cell/tissue interactions in vitro AND in vivo, etc.

• Published experience in rodent models, immunofluorescent and histochemical staining of tissues, evaluation of tissue response/interactions using fluorescent microscopy (confocal) imaging is a plus.

• Expertise in primary neural cell isolation and culture; as well as western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR is a plus.

• Design and execute experiments independently. 

• Expected to interpret experimental results, and author papers in high-quality journals in areas that are related to the research. 

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and have a strong passion and commitment to science.

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator to help supervise and train junior lab members and to ensure smooth functioning of an active research program. 

• Expected to work in a collaborative inter-institute environment.

• The candidate will have the opportunity to explore his/her own interests across functions.

Job Requirements:

• Masters level scientist with relevant background and experience.

• Published experience in biomaterials scaffold design, fabrication and characterization, controlled drug/gene delivery design and characterization. Evaluation of cellular response/interactions/functionality with scaffolds using western blotting, immunostaining, qPCR, fluorescent microscopy (confocal) imaging, functional assays.

• Experience in 3D printing is a plus.

• Published experience in rodent models, immunofluorescent and histochemical staining of tissues, evaluation of tissue response/interactions using fluorescent microscopy (confocal) imaging is a plus.

• Expertise in primary neural cell isolation and culture; as well as western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR is a plus.

• Strong ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form.

• Strong ability to perform independent, self-directed work.

• Strong organizational skills and proactive personality with outstanding motivation, creativity, critical and analytical thinking skills, strong scientific commitment and ability to work as a team.
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We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.