JOB SUMMARY

The Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and REsponse (PREPARE) is a national programme that was set up by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to support and strengthen Singapore's key essential research capabilities, translational platforms, and expertise to develop tools, methods and products that can be tapped on to detect, respond to, and contain future infectious disease threats.

You will lead and oversee the development and execution of immunogenicity and challenge animal models for viral pathogens within the ABSL3 or ABSL2 setting as part of the PREPARE Vaccine & Therapeutics co-op. This co-op aims to develop pathogen-agnostic technologies and platforms to enable rapid therapeutic or vaccine development to enhance Singapore's capabilities and access to vaccines during future epidemics. You will be responsible for experimental design, evaluation and documentation of the results and coordination with our host BSL3 laboratory which is located at NTU LKC School of Medicine.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC

1. Development and execution of animal challenge experiments for viral pathogens with pandemic potential within the ABSL3 at LKC Experimental Medicine Building (NTU) and immunogenicity experiments for vaccine platforms within the ABSL2 at LKC Clinical Sciences Building (Novena)
2. Assist with preparation and submission of IACUC protocols
3. Work with the PREPARE Laboratory head to manage PREPARE projects and train/supervise attached staff.
4. Lead the immunological/virological characterization of experimental samples within BSL3/BSL2 e.g. T cell reactivity, viral load, neutralization titre etc in support of PREPARE projects.

GENERAL

1. Ensure safe execution of experiments and adherence to SOPs and all safety & ethics regulations/policies and procedures stipulated by the lab and institution.
2. Analyze experimental data and ensure proper documentation of results.
3. Prepare scientific papers and posters for publication and/or presentation at research & scientific conferences.
4. Perform other duties as directed by supervisors and HOD, including work areas not mentioned here.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

1. Ph.D in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases or equivalent.
2. Holds a current RUCLAC or equivalent certificate.

EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum 5 years' experience with small animal models of viral infection
2. Familiarity with standard mouse handling echniques e.g. intranasal inoculation, IV/IP injection, cheek bleeds, administration of anaesthesia/euthanasia
3. Experience with immunological techniques such as multi-parameter flow cytometry, ELIspot, T cell activation and culture, ELISA
4. Willing to work in a high containment setting with high-risk pathogens. Prior experience working with animals in a high containment (ABSL3) laboratory setting is advantageous.
5. Experience with virological techniques such as PRNT, TCID, microneutralization assays highly desirable
6. Ability to lead a research project independently, able to cope with tight timelines and willing to respond out-of-office hours during national emergencies or due to exigencies of service.
7. Able to work well as a team and with partners from other PREPARE Cores & Co-ops, academic labs or government agencies.
8. Good oral and written communication skills