Research Fellow (Ref:DSSOPC-Immunology)

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral research fellow to join the Programme in Translational and Clinical Liver Cancer Research, led by Prof Pierce Chow, tenured Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School and NMRC STaR Awardee. Our Program spans the entire spectrum of Liver Cancer scientific investigations from translational research to randomized controlled trials.

A part of our research focuses on deciphering the spatial and single-cell remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to correlate that to clinical outcome and to response and resistance to therapeutics. The incumbent will utilize various types of patient biosamples and leverage on the insights generated from multi-omics approaches e.g.  bulk tumor next-generation sequencing (NGS), cfDNA NGS, single cell RNA-seq and proteomics, CyTOF, 3D spatial transcriptomics and targeted/untargeted metabolomics in the context of a clinical cohort.  Experience with interpreting the spatial data in the context of immunology is a requirement. In addition, the incumbent is also expected to perform wet bench research to interrogate and validate the functions of shortlisted targets, as well as investigating their values as biomarkers of therapy response and resistance. Expertise in spatial-omics approaches, cancer models, immunohistochemistry, and translational research is highly desirable.

The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator in conceptualizing and conducting research projects, responsible for the coordination and management of the spatial-omics projects of the multidisciplinary study, and to lead grant applications and manuscript preparation.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative research environment, working closely with bioinformaticians, clinicians, and researchers involved in ongoing clinical trials. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer biology research, with the potential to directly impact therapeutic strategies for HCC patients.

Your responsibilities will include:
- Perform wet bench research to interrogate and validate the functions of shortlisted targets, as well as investigating their values as biomarkers of therapy response and resistance.
- Interpret spatial data in immunological context.
- Lead publication and grant application effort alongside PI.

Requirements:
- PhD (or MSc with strong research experience) with relevant experience in cancer research, immunology, or a related field.
- Experience with the following will be essential:
   - Molecular biology techniques (including qPCR and Western blot).
   - Functional genomics approaches (such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, scRNA-seq, spatial tools).
   - Flow cytometry/CyTOF (especially high-parameter flow).
   - Immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescent staining.
   - Cell culture and in vitro assays (proliferation, cell death, cell cycle, etc).
- Possess excellent analytical, technical and problem-solving skills.
- Well organized and detail oriented.
- Ability to coordinate diverse groups of people.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Able to work independently and interactively in a team setting, motivated, responsible and a fast learner.