Research Fellow (DMSCGTBT)

The Research Fellow will be a key member of Professor Teh Bin Tean’s Laboratory at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, contributing to research focused on muscle biology, cachexia, and sarcopenia. The laboratory conducts next-generation sequencing–based and multi-omics profiling of human muscle and aging-related samples, with the aim of identifying molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets underlying sarcopenia, cachexia, and age-associated muscle decline. You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, computational biologists, engineers, and experimental scientists to support data-driven research in muscle aging. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, designing and performing omics-based studies (e.g., transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics) on muscle and aging-related samples, as well as conducting functional assays and mechanistic investigations to elucidate pathways underlying sarcopenia. This also includes the application and exploration of emerging and innovative experimental setups and model systems to study muscle aging and wasting. You will analyse and interpret biological and clinical datasets, with some use of established bioinformatics tools where appropriate. The role also involves supporting target identification and validation through integrated experimental approaches, working closely with multidisciplinary team members, and leading the preparation of scientific reports, grant applications, and research publications. Your responsibilities will include: 1) Mechanistic Insights in Sarcopenia: - Plan and perform omics experiments and functional/mechanistic studies, ensuring rigor, reproducibility, and proper documentation. 2) High-Quality Omics and Functional Data Output: - Analyse and interpret experimental and clinical data using appropriate statistical and basic bioinformatics approaches. 3) Establishment and Optimization of Experimental Models: - Development and optimization of relevant in vitro and/or in vivo muscle models and assays to support mechanistic studies of sarcopenia, ensuring reliability and reproducibility of experimental systems. 4) Research Translation and Scientific Output Collaboration and Reporting: - Work closely with multidisciplinary team members, support joint projects, and lead manuscripts writing, presentations, and grant applications. Requirements: - PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, or a related field, with a strong background in muscle biology, aging research, or related disciplines. - Experience: At least 4 years of relevant research experience in muscle biology, sarcopenia, cachexia, aging, or related biomedical fields. - Experimental Expertise: Strong hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques (eg. cell culture, qPCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, ELISA) and functional assays relevant to muscle physiology and disease. Experience with advanced or non-traditional experimental models and experimental setups is advantageous. Demonstrated openness to emerging methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to support innovative and translational research. - Animal Work: Experience with in vivo models is a strong advantage, including handling, phenotyping, and tissue collection in mouse models of disease or aging. - Omics Exposure: Prior involvement in omics-based studies (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics) is an advantage. - Data Interpretation: Ability to analyse and interpret experimental data using standard statistical approaches. - Research Output: Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications, including first-author papers in relevant fields. - Grant Writing: Demonstrated ability to independently contribute to successful grant applications and competitive research funding proposals. - Soft Skills: Strong teamwork, independence, and ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Good communication skills and scientific rigor are essential.