Scientist (XY Lab), IMCB (3331)

Position: Scientist – Human Stem Cell and Kidney Organoid Research

The successful candidate will join the Xia Laboratory at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, to develop and apply human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived organoid models to investigate kidney development, human kidney diseases, and therapeutic strategies. The role involves multidisciplinary research integrating stem cell biology, genome engineering, molecular and cellular biology, advanced imaging, and animal models. The candidate will contribute to ongoing research projects, scientific publications, collaborative activities, and laboratory management.

Education

PhD in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.

Requirements

• PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Stem Cell Biology, or a related discipline. First-author publications in peer-reviewed journals are an advantage.
• Experience in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing.
• Experience in human embryonic stem cell/induced pluripotent stem cell culture and/or 3D organoid culture.
• Experience in microscopy. Knowledge of pathology and histology is an advantage.
• Experience in handling mouse models and conducting animal experiments. Animal surgery and mouse embryonic dissection experience are advantageous.
• Experience in analysing next-generation sequencing datasets is an advantage.
• Good organisational and communication skills, with proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Highly motivated, responsible, willing to learn, and able to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Job description

The successful candidate will contribute to research projects in the Xia Laboratory focused on developing and applying hPSC-derived kidney organoid models to investigate kidney development, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies.

The candidate will design and conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments involving stem cell culture and differentiation, organoid and assembloid engineering, genome editing, molecular and cellular biology, advanced imaging, and animal models. The role includes optimising experimental protocols, troubleshooting technical challenges, and analysing and interpreting research data.

The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and laboratory members, contribute to collaborative research activities and scientific publications, and assist with laboratory management and administrative duties.

Key responsibilities

• Design, plan, and conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments to support ongoing research projects.
• Develop and optimise experimental approaches involving hPSC culture, kidney organoid and assembloid models, genome editing, molecular and cellular biology, and imaging.
• Conduct animal experiments, including mouse handling, experimental procedures, tissue collection, and downstream analyses, in accordance with institutional guidelines.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and maintain accurate research records.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, research reports, presentations, and grant applications.
• Participate in collaborative research activities and assist in training students and junior laboratory members, where appropriate.
• Support laboratory management, regulatory compliance, and maintenance of shared research resources.
• Perform other research- and administrative-related duties assigned by the Principal Investigator.