Research Assistant / Molecular Biology (Contract)

The National Parks Board is hiring a Research Assistant for a contract role at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The position involves conducting population genetics research on Neuwiedia veratrifolia, performing wet lab procedures like DNA extractions and PCR, and maintaining lab operations. Candidates should have expertise in molecular biology techniques and a collaborative spirit. The role is for 11 months and is based in Singapore.
What the role is:

The Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG) is one of the oldest tropical botanical gardens and one of only three botanic gardens in the world inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has an extensive living and herbarium collection, including large living collections of orchids, palms, cycads, gingers and plants of human cultural significance, along with extensive herbarium collections from Singapore, Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. It also has a state-of-the-art laboratory for tissue culture work and molecular work.

What you will be working on:

This position will involve conducting research into the population genetics of Neuwiedia veratrifolia and any other research projects as needed. The successful candidate is expected to assist with wet lab procedures such as DNA extractions, PCR and DNA library preps, and related work such as the preparation of reagents, chemical stock-taking and general lab maintenance, and perform any other duties as required.

What we are looking for:

• Areas of studies in biological sciences, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Expertise in plant molecular lab techniques such as plant DNA extraction, PCR, whole genome and reduced representation DNA library preparation for High Throughput Sequencing and library QC.
• Experience in sequence data analyses such as plastome assemblies.
• Independent, with a positive attitude and a good team player.

The successful candidate will be offered an 11-month employment contract.

About National Parks Board
At the National Parks Board (NParks), we take pride in conserving our natural heritage and enhancing green spaces for all to enjoy in our City in Nature. We have a multi-talented and highly passionate team that is driven by the goal to create a unique world-class living environment through excellence in biodiversity conservation, greenery and recreation, and veterinary care in partnership with the community. If you share our love for nature and animals, and our zest for innovation and continuous learning, we have the perfect working environment for you.