Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Translational Bacteriology Lab), A*STAR ID Labs

Job Summary

A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL) aims to be the global leader in tropical infectious diseases through scientific excellence in research and innovation to enhance human health and respond to future pandemics. We are seeking an exceptional, experienced postdoctoral researcher who is ready to take the next step toward scientific independence.

The successful candidate will develop an integrated mAb discovery and translation pipeline targeting priority bacterial pathogens, working at the interface of microbiology, immunology, genomics, and translational biology. This role is designed for a scientist who wants to help build and lead a focused research program on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against bacterial pathogens, with genuine intellectual ownership and strategic responsibility. This position is within the translational microbiology laboratory of Professor Stephen Baker, a globally recognized leader in antimicrobial resistance and bacteriology, The lab's focus is on developing novel therapeutics and preventative strategies against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and critical infectious diseases.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside Professor Baker and a new dynamic team, contributing to high-impact research in immunology and antimicrobial resistance. This role also offers mentorship, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and collaboration opportunities with leading researchers globally.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership:

• Take intellectual leadership of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) research program targeting bacterial pathogens.
• Define research priorities, milestones, and experimental strategy in alignment with the broader AMR and infectious disease program.
• Identify and develop novel scientific directions within bacterial mAb discovery and translation.

Antigen Discovery & Target Evaluation:

• Support and contribute to antigen discovery and prioritisation strategies, informed by bacterial genomics, surface biology, and clinical relevance.
• Analyse target conservation, expression, and accessibility across diverse bacterial isolates.
• Work closely with collaborators and existing datasets to assess translational relevance.

Monoclonal Antibody Discovery & Characterisation:

• Design and conduct experiments for monoclonal antibody generation, screening, and characterisation.
• Perform and interpret binding and functional assays (e.g. bactericidal, neutralisation, or opsonophagocytic assays).
• Contribute to optimisation and selection of promising antibody candidates.
• Contribute to in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antibody candidates, in collaboration with internal and external partners.

Data Integration, Analysis & Scientific Reporting:

• Integrate experimental findings with genomic, phenotypic, and clinical data.
• Maintain high standards of data quality, reproducibility, and documentation.
• Prepare figures, internal reports, and manuscripts for publication.
• Lead or co-lead scientific publications arising from the work.
• Build a strong track record toward future independent funding.

Team Contribution & Mentoring

• Provide scientific guidance to students and junior researchers.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive lab environment.
• Participate in shared lab activities, training, and knowledge exchange.

Collaboration & Professional Development:

• Engage with multidisciplinary collaborators across microbiology, immunology, and translational research.
• Present work at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
• Actively engage in professional development activities supporting transition to independence.

Why Join Us?

• Develop your independent research career under the mentorship of a globally recognized expert in antimicrobial resistance.
• Lead impactful research projects with a focus on developing novel therapeutics.
• Publish in leading scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with international experts and gain access to state-of-the-art facilities at A*STAR IDL.
• A career-shaping role with genuine scope to build an independent research niche.
• Be part of a supportive and ambitious team making a global impact in infectious diseases research.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related field, with a proven track record in Immunology.
• Several years of postdoctoral experience in antibody discovery, immunology, or bacterial pathogenesis.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with monoclonal antibody generation and/or functional characterisation.
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.
• Experience designing and executing experiments with a high degree of technical rigour.
• Ability to work independently on defined projects while contributing effectively to a team-led research program.
• Strong scientific communication skills, both written and oral.
• Experience working on bacterial pathogens preferable.
• Familiarity with antigen discovery approaches, including genomics-, proteomics-, or bioinformatics-informed target selection.
• Experience with functional assays relevant to antibacterial antibodies (e.g. opsonophagocytic killing, neutralisation, bactericidal assays).
• Experience in animal models and vaccine development.
• Exposure to preclinical or translational research environments, including collaborations with clinicians or industry preferable.
• Experience mentoring students or junior researchers.
• Motivation to progress toward scientific independence within a supportive, mentored environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to think strategically about experimental design and data interpretation.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
• Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple workstreams with guidance and support.
• Interest in translational research and real-world impact.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.