About this role
The Research Officer supports the Phytochemical Discovery Core (PDC) within the SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED). The incumbent performs plant sample preparation, extraction, chemical profiling, fractionation and compound isolation to support the development and maintenance of a traceable, quality-controlled library of plant extracts, fractions and isolated compounds for research.
Working under the supervision of the Research Fellow/PDC Lead, the incumbent operates designated analytical and preparative instruments, performs sample and analytical quality checks, maintains accurate experimental records, and supports safe and efficient laboratory operations. The role also contributes to method optimisation and the delivery of assigned research and core service projects.
Responsibilities:
1.Plant material and sample preparation
- Receive, label, catalogue and track plant samples; perform drying, grinding, weighing, solvent extraction, centrifugation, filtration, concentration and freeze-drying according to SOPs; calculate extraction yield and prepare stock solutions.
2. Instrumentation/Lab operation
- Operate and maintain LC-MS, GC-MS, QTOF-MS, Orbitrap-MS systems
- Support SFE-SFC and preparative/analytical HPLC workflows, including mobile phase preparation, fraction collection, sample concentration, re-analysis and documentation of fraction identity and yield.
- Conduct data acquisition and interpretation
- Maintain lab safety and hygiene
- Establish and update SOPs
- Provide technical support and general housekeeping
3. Assay Development
- Execute cellular, genetic, biochemical, and drug screening assays
- Validate targets in vitro and in vivo using natural plant compounds
4. Grant & publication support
- Participating in scientific discussions
- Present research outcomes
5. Administrative Duties
- Assist in procurement of laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment.
- Liaise with vendors and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
- Update and maintain procurement records systematically.
- Track and file invoices, delivery notes (DNs), and related documents.
- Prepare documents for internal checks and external audits.
Requirements:
Educational / Professional Qualifications-
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Natural Products Chemistry or a related discipline.
- Candidates from Biochemistry or Biotechnology backgrounds should demonstrate relevant experience in chromatography, mass spectrometry or natural-product extraction.
Relevant Experience & Skills-
- Carry out biological sample preparation for MS-based metabolomics (GC and LC), including the extraction of phytochemicals from plant sources.
- Handling biological samples (tissue, stool and plasma samples)
- Hands-on experience with plant-based protein extraction and protein characterization with gel electrophoresis, western blot and prep-HPLC.
- Synergize and execute cellular, genetic, biochemical, and drug screening assays in natural plants for validation of targets in vitro and in vivo
- Hands-on experience with LC/GC instrumentation
- Contribute to project management, presentations, manuscript preparation & submission for publications.
- Assist with general laboratory housekeeping, providing technical support, and establishing SOPs to ongoing research projects and maintaining good safety hygiene.
- Participate actively in scientific discussions, present research outcomes and organize outreach programs to the scientific community and public.
Qualities-
- Working experience with HPLC, LC-MS, QTOF-MS, Orbitrap -MS, GC-MS instrumentations, data acquisition and interpretation.
- Experiences with metabolomics and proteomic sample preparation and data acquisition.
- Some knowledge in microbiology, microbiome, and molecular biology, including DNA/RNA extraction.
- Being able to multi-task with multiple projects and keep pace in dynamic research environment.
- Good interpersonal communication skills with written, oral communication and computer skills.