Research Associate/Research Fellow (Plant Biotechnology and Biochemistry)

The School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB) at NTU Singapore, in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (WUR), is part of Singapore Indoor Farming System (SingFarm)—a CREATE-NRF programme focused on building a sustainable, data-driven food production model with strong industry relevance to contribute Singapore’s ambition in achieving 20 per cent local production of its fiber (vegetables, mushrooms etc.) by 2035. The candidate would be working in a multinational team at the forefront of Singapore’s agricultural innovation and food security.

The position of Research Associate/Research Fellow will work on receptor-centric signalling, with a focus on protein-protein interactions, bioengineering and transfer of receptor proteins, to achieve enhanced disease resistance of Brassica for indoor farming systems. The research will be closely linked to another project involving the discovery of resistance genes with effectoromics and other projects within the wider work package.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Establish proximity-labelling strategy in Brassica, and identify proteins that are proximal to, or interacting with receptors of important pathogens

• Validate selected interactor proteins by independent techniques, such as co-immuno-precipitation (Co-IP), virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC)

• Characterize the role of selected interactor proteins in plant defense, by overexpression in Arabidopsis and subsequent disease tests.

• Bioengineer and transfer available receptors from other plant species into Brassica

• Overexpress engineered receptors or selected interactor proteins in Brassica and test for contribution to disease resistance

• Document results and contribute to reports, publications, and presentations

Job Requirements: 

Research Associate (Master’s level)

• Master’s degree in Plant Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field

• Experience with proteomics, biochemistry, plant molecular biology

• Strong affinity with receptor signaling and protein -protein interactions

• Basic knowledge of plant-microbe interactions

• Strong communication skills, analytical skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team

Research Fellow (PhD level)

• PhD degree in Plant Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline

• Demonstrated experience with proteomics, biochemistry, plant molecular biology

• Strong background in receptor signaling, protein -protein interactions

• Affinity with plant-microbe interactions

• Strong communication skills, proven ability to lead experiments, analyze data, publish research, and ability to work independently and as part of a team

We seek a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU