Research Associate / Fellow (DSSOJO)

The Laboratory of Applied Human Genetics at the National Cancer Centre Singapore is a multi-disciplinary laboratory with specific focus on peritoneal malignancies and sarcoma. The direction of our laboratory is to solve real world clinical problems via sound scientific translation. Since the conception of our laboratory 7 years ago, we have now set up three scientific pillars of Therapeutics, Companion Diagnostic and CAPTIVATE (Target Generation) pipeline.

Currently, we are progressing a first-in-human therapeutic asset developed in our laboratory. To accelerate its translational development, we require specialised expertise in biologics development, encompassing candidate engineering, molecular characterisation, and functional evaluation. This expertise will ensure that the therapeutic asset is developed with due consideration of scientific, translational, and future commercial requirements.

Interested applicants should have extensive hands-on experience in biologics research, with strong wet-laboratory expertise in cancer biology and therapeutic antibody development. The successful candidate should be proficient in designing and performing functional assays, antibody-based techniques, cell culture, and molecular biology experiments to support the functional characterisation and optimisation of biologic candidates. Experience in biologics development and translational cancer research will be highly advantageous.

Responsibilities:
- Lead the scientific design and execution of experiments supporting the preclinical development of therapeutic biologics.
- Develop and optimise functional, mechanistic, PK, PD and toxicology studies to support candidate progression.
- Work closely with regulatory, translational and CMC consultants to translate scientific and regulatory recommendations into robust experimental strategies.
- Interpret complex datasets and integrate efficacy, pharmacology and safety data to inform candidate selection and development decisions.
- Contribute to the generation of preclinical data packages supporting future IND-enabling development.
- Coordinate scientific interactions with CROs, collaborators and multidisciplinary teams.

Job Requirements:
- MSc or PhD in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology or a related discipline.
- Strong hands-on experience in biologics research or cancer drug discovery with strong wet-laboratory expertise.
- Demonstrated proficiency in mammalian cell culture and cell-based functional assays, including migration, invasion, adhesion, proliferation and viability assays.
- Experience with antibody-based techniques (e.g. Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and/or antibody characterisation assays).
- Experience in molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid and protein analysis.
- Experience with in vivo studies, PK/PD or pharmacology studies would be advantageous.
- Strong experimental planning, data analysis and scientific problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Highly motivated, organised and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.