Research Assistant (Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Dr Lee Seungjae's lab)

Job Title: Research Assistant (Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Dr Lee Seungjae's lab) University-Level Unit: Cancer Science Institute of Singapore Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Research Employee Category: Research Staff Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus Posting Start Date: 21/09/2026 About the Lab

The Lee Lab, led by Assistant Professor Seungjae (Jae) Lee, invites applications for researcher positions at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI), National University of Singapore (NUS).

The Lee Lab investigates the emerging interface between RNA biology and cellular metabolism . We are particularly interested in understanding how metabolites, metabolic enzymes, and cellular metabolic states influence RNA structure, processing, translation, localization, and function.

Our research combines functional genomics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, high-throughput screening, and emerging RNA technologies to uncover previously unrecognized mechanisms connecting RNA regulation with cellular metabolism. A major long-term goal is to determine how these mechanisms can be exploited to enhance RNA therapeutics and uncover new vulnerabilities in cancer and other diseases.

For more information about our research and the Lee Lab, please visit sleelab.com .

The Position

The responsibilities includes:

1. Research Activities

• Conduct molecular and cell biology experiments relating to RNA biology and cellular metabolism under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and research team.
• Perform techniques such as mammalian cell culture, RNA/DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, Western blotting, reporter assays, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, and gene perturbation and validation studies.
• Investigate ALAS1 expression, localisation and filament formation, including its relationship with cellular porphyrin levels and RNA regulation.
• Support fluorescence and confocal microscopy, biochemical assays, and studies of RNA–protein and RNA–small-molecule interactions.
• Prepare samples for RNA sequencing, transcriptomic analysis, RNA structural profiling, metabolomics, and other downstream applications.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and research data, assist with data analysis, and support the troubleshooting and optimisation of experimental protocols.
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to research presentations, reports, manuscripts, and other research outputs.

2. Laboratory Establishment and Commissioning

As the Lee Lab is newly established, the Research Assistant will support the Principal Investigator in setting up the laboratory and establishing its research operations.

• Assist with the setup of laboratory workspaces, equipment, research infrastructure, storage systems, and experimental workflows.
• Support the procurement, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and documentation of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Liaise with suppliers, service providers, and relevant NUS and CSI teams on equipment delivery, installation, servicing, and other setup matters.
• Establish and maintain inventories for reagents, consumables, chemicals, biological materials, and laboratory supplies.
• Support the development of standard operating procedures, experimental protocols, sample-management processes, and other laboratory documentation.
• Coordinate with safety, facilities, procurement, and operations teams to ensure that the laboratory is ready for research activities and compliant with applicable requirements.

3. Laboratory Operations and Team Support

• Maintain a clean, organised, safe, and well-stocked laboratory environment.
• Monitor laboratory supplies and coordinate replenishment, equipment servicing, and the use of shared facilities.

Maintain appropriate records for equipment, samples, reagents, and laboratory activities. * Support the onboarding and training of new laboratory members on established procedures and workflows. * Comply with institutional requirements relating to laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical and biological material management, waste disposal, data management, and research integrity. * Participate in laboratory meetings, research discussions, and relevant training. * Perform other research and laboratory operational duties assigned by the Principal Investigator. Candidate Profile

Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biological sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.

Prior research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, RNA biology, cancer biology, or a related area is welcome but not required. Candidates with complementary backgrounds who are interested in applying their skills to questions in RNA biology and cellular metabolism are strongly encouraged to apply.

Hands-on experience in techniques such as cell culture, PCR/qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, Western blotting, cloning, microscopy, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, or RNA-related methods would be advantageous.

As the Lee Lab is newly established, the Research Assistant may also s upport laboratory setup and operations, including equipment commissioning, inventory management, and coordination with suppliers and service providers. Prior experience in these areas would be helpful but is not required .

We value scientific curiosity, attention to detail, organisation, collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new experimental techniques.

Research Environment

The Lee Lab is located at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI), National University of Singapore , providing access to a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, advanced core facilities, and the broader biomedical research community across NUS and Singapore.

Singapore also offers an international, English-speaking research environment in a vibrant and multicultural Asian city. NUS/CSI provides competitive postdoctoral compensation, with specific terms determined based on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Please send the following to Dr. Seungjae Lee at [email protected] :

• CV
• Brief statement describing your research experience, interests, and motivation
• Contact information for 2–3 referees

Positions are available from March 2027 onward , with applications considered on a rolling basis.

For questions or informal inquiries about the position, please feel free to contact Dr. Lee.