Visiting Research Fellow (Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease)

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal. Please note your application will only be processed if you apply via NUS Career Portal.

NUS Career Portal link: https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Visiting-Research-Fellow-%28Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Disease%29/34268-en_GB/?st=306DC6565F37D633D0DAF8F9C55A4551AC7815CD

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The National University of Singapore (NUS), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease, Translational Research Program), invites applications for a Visiting Research Fellow to work on Spatial & Causal Immunology in Cardiac Microtissues.

Purpose of the post

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Visiting Research Fellow to spearhead an ambitious project investigating the macrophage-fibroblast niche within human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiac microtissues.

This cutting-edge interdisciplinary project bridges spatial discovery (mapping cellular neighborhoods and intercellular communication) with causal testing (validating mechanistic interactions) to understand cardiac tissue remodeling, inflammation, and fibrosis. You will leverage state-of-the-art stem cell models, advanced spatial omics/imaging, and functional assays to uncover novel therapeutic targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Model Generation: Culture and differentiate human iPSCs into cardiac microtissues incorporating advanced stromal and immune components (macrophages and fibroblasts).
• Spatial Profiling: Execute and analyze high-resolution spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, or single-cell multi-omics to map the macrophage-fibroblast niche.
• Causal Validation: Design and perform loss-of-function/gain-of-function genetic or pharmacological perturbation assays in microtissues to test hypothesized causal pathways of tissue remodeling.
• Data Integration: Collaborate with computational biologists to integrate spatial datasets with functional phenotypic readouts (e.g., contractility, matrix deposition, cytokine release).
• Dissemination: Prepare manuscripts for high-impact peer-reviewed journals, present findings at international conferences, and mentor junior lab members.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Stem Cell Biology, Immunology, Cardiovascular Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Technical Expertise:
• Hands-on experience with human iPSC culture and 3D cardiac microtissue/organoid models.
• Strong background in immunology or fibrosis, specifically regarding macrophage and fibroblast biology.
• Familiarity with spatial omics technologies, multiplex immunofluorescence, or high-content imaging analysis.
• Research Acumen: Demonstrated track record of independent problem-solving, experimental design, and mechanistic causal testing.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, evidenced by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ph.D. degree in Bioengineering, Stem Cell Biology, Immunology, Cardiovascular Sciences, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific productivity, evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.