Postdoctoral Associate - Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Project Overview

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a serious threat, locally and globally. If no action is taken to combat AMR now, it is predicted that by 2050, AMR will kill 10 million and cause $100 trillion economic burden, annually. The AMR Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) at SMART aims to understand, combat and prevent the rapid growing of AMR by leveraging technologies across Singapore and MIT.

Antibiotics are often prescribed without proper diagnosis. Over-prescription of antibiotics is among the main causes of rapid AMR development. Currently there is no effective diagnostic tests that could distinguish bacteria from viral or other infections within a time-frame of a doctor visit. Our group intend to develop rapid diagnostic tests to combat AMR. Using protein engineering technology, we will develop tests on different formats e.g. paper-based, bead based, to help diagnose bacteria from viral infections. We will also search for a new panel of bacteria/viral infections biomarker using published data set and analyze using big data analysis approach.

Food contamination is also among the main sources of AMR. Pathogens carried by an animal can spread to other animals, environment as well as to human. African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a deadly virus to domestic and wild pigs. Once infected, the mortality rate is near to 100%. Using protein engineering technology, the rapid paper-based diagnostic test for ASVF will be developed to help determine ASFV infection and to help limit spreading of the diseases.

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be working mainly on developing of bead-based diagnostic tests and paper-based ASFV tests using the protein engineering technology developed in Prof. Sike's lab. For the bead-based test format, the candidate will be working closely with our industrial partner, AYOXXA, to optimize the bead-based assays.

The candidate is also expected to assist in finding of new panel of biomarkers for bacterial and viral infections and big data analysis.

Job Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related fields.
• Experience in protein works and immunoassay works/ developments.
• Good knowledge in molecular biology.
• Experience in prototyping is a plus.
• Experience in bioinformatics, big data analysis, or machine learning is a plus.
• Good tract of records in publications and scientific output.
• Independent and good analytical skills.
• Good communication skills to co-workers from different scientific backgrounds.

To apply, please visit our website through the link below.

Interested applicants are invited to send in their full CV/resume, cover letter and list of three references (to include reference names and contact information). We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.