Research Technician

Summary
The Singapore UCSD RNA Frontier (SURF) program aims to foster strategic collaboration between UCSD and Singapore towards the eventual development of RNA therapeutics. Within this area, SURF projects will involve the development of platforms, modalities orgene targets across multiple disease areas. Leveraging the expertise of Prof. Eugene Yeo, an RNA technologist and renowned expert in RNA biology, SURF will function in close synergy with the UCSD RNA Centre, while complementing and partnering existing national efforts in the RNA space.

We are seeking a research technician who will provide hands-on technical support for the wet-lab research while taking primary responsibility for routine laboratory management, organization, and operational workflows. This role requires strong technical competence inmolecular biology techniques, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage laboratory logistics in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment. Additionally, the successful candidate should be adept at acquiring new skill sets and able to train incoming or inexperienced personnel.
The technician will work closely with both the scientists and senior scientists to maintain high standards of experimental rigor, safety, and operational excellence.

Duties & Responsibilities
Experimental work

• Perform routine experimental procedures, standardized assays and/or protocol-driven experiments.
• Work with wet-lab scientists and senior scientists in developing new techniques or assays.
• Support wet-lab scientists by preparing reagents, buffers, media, and consumables for RNA and molecular biology experiments.
• Ensure proper handling, labeling, storage, and tracking of biological samples.

Laboratory Operations & Management

• Maintain laboratory inventory, including ordering, receiving, stocking, and tracking of reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain organized laboratory spaces, including benches, cold storage, and work areas.
• Coordinate service contracts, repairs, and preventive maintenance with vendors or institutional facilities.
• Maintain logs and documentation for equipment use, maintenance, and quality control.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, local, and regulatory laboratory safety requirements.
• Work closely with wet-lab scientists to maintain safety documentation, risk assessments, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support biosafety, chemical safety, and waste disposal processes.
• Assist with laboratory inspections, audits, and training compliance.

Data & Record Management

• Maintain accurate records for reagent preparation, inventory, equipment use, and experimental support activities.
• Support documentation standards for reproducibility, traceability, and data integrity.
• Assist in archiving samples, records, and materials as required.

Training & Coordination

• Assist with onboarding and basic laboratory training for new lab members.
• Provide guidance on laboratory workflows, safety procedures, and shared equipment usage.

Qualifications Required

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology, or a related field, and at least a year of hands-on laboratory experience in a molecular biology or biomedical research environment

Other Desired Qualifications / Experiences / Skills

• A high degree of scientific curiosity, and an ability and willingness to think innovatively to solve novel experimental challenges or develop new assays.
• An ability to acquire new skills or master new techniques quickly and adeptly.
• An ability to independently plan and carry-out experiments with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and adherence to protocols and safety standards.
• Experience supporting RNA-focused or high-throughput research laboratories.
• Familiarity with laboratory information or inventory management systems.