Research Fellow, Inflammation in metabolic disease [LKCMedicine]

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) trains doctors who put patients at the centre of their exemplary care. The School, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programmes, is named after local philanthropist Tan Sri Dato Lee Kong Chian. Established in 2010 by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in partnership with Imperial College London, LKCMedicine aims to be a model for innovative medical education and a centre for transformative research. The School’s primary clinical partner is the National Healthcare Group, a leader in public healthcare recognised for the quality of its medical expertise, facilities and teaching. The School is transitioning to an NTU medical school ahead of the 2028 successful conclusion of the NTU-Imperial partnership to set up a Joint Medical School. In August 2024, we welcomed our first intake of the NTU MBBS programme, that has been recently enhanced to include themes like precision medicine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with an expanded scope in the medical humanities. Graduates from the five-year undergraduate medical degree programme will have a strong understanding of the scientific basis of medicine, with an emphasis on technology, data science and the humanities.

Asst Prof Wong’s lab focuses on dissecting mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders and their complications, with an overarching goal of unveiling novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for metabolic disease and inflammation. The lab is particularly interested in delineating pathways that mediate enhanced formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in diabetes and evaluating the impact of NETs on body systems under metabolic disturbances. The lab employs a variety of in vitro assays, cell-based approaches, and in vivo murine disease models, in combination with human sample and patient data analysis to address our fundamental research questions. The School and Asst Prof Wong’s lab strongly support career development activities to help individuals advance in professionalism and achieve their career goals.

Asst Prof Wong’s lab is recruiting a Research Fellow who has a deep interest in target discovery and translation of the basic science outcomes to clinical applications. The overarching goal is to enable full human potential via early detection of diabetic complications (and hence prevention of their development / progression) and novel therapeutic options for treatments. The job aligns with the vision of LKCMedicine in redefining medicine and transforming healthcare.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform animal experiments, including establishment of mouse disease models, to examine the mechanism of increased NETosis in diabetes and to translate the basic science findings in collaboration with bioengineers

• Assist in breeding of certain mouse strains that are required for the project

• Analyze and interpret the data obtained

• Communicate orally and in writings research findings in both informal and formal settings

• Assist in the preparation of grant applications, progress reports, and manuscripts

Job Requirements:

Education Qualifications:

• PhD in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline from a reputable university. Candidates with research experience and expertise in immune cell activation are preferred.

Relevant Experience:

• Independent in mouse handling (injections, oral gavage, etc.) and experimentation (e.g., induction of diabetes, measurement of metabolic parameters, survival surgeries)

• Proficient in handling and analyzing mouse blood and tissue samples

• Proficient in microscopy and image analysis, including confocal microscopy and slide scanner

• Proficient in standard biochemical, molecular and cellular assays

• Proficient in histology and immunofluorescence staining

• Experience in RNA-seq experiments and analysis

• Experience in NETosis investigations using mouse samples is a plus

Key Competencies Requirements:

• Strong enthusiasm in metabolic diseases, inflammation and vascular biology

• Determine to pursue long-term scientific careers

• Proficient in English (oral and written) with excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Be able to work independently and responsibly, as well as a proactive team player ready to collaborate within the lab and beyond

• Self-motivated, capable in setting priorities and think critically, well-organized, and attentive to details

• Enjoy and capable of troubleshooting