Research Assistant

Company Overview

Santen is a dedicated ophthalmology company with a rich history of 130 years. Originating from Japan, it operates globally across more than 60 countries. The company focuses on delivering vital value to patients and society through advanced eye health products and services developed with expertise in ophthalmology and a patient-centered approach.

Role Summary

The Research Assistant based at the Singapore Eye Research Institute within The Academia, Singapore, will support the laboratory’s daily functions via administrative management and assist with standard experimental procedures under direct supervision from scientists, team leaders, or department heads. The position ensures smooth operation by managing routine tasks like procurement administration, maintaining inventory, documentation, and safety compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle laboratory administrative duties such as ordering reagents and consumables, managing payment invoices, maintaining inventory levels, coordinating regular equipment upkeep, scheduling equipment use, and promptly reporting operational issues to supervisors.
• Communicate actively with research team members to understand laboratory requirements and anticipate needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation including procurement logs, inventory records, and compliance and safety documents to support efficient lab activities.
• Ensure laboratory safety and cleanliness by adhering to legal, institutional, and internal safety guidelines and supporting routine safety activities.
• Provide basic experimental support including reagent measurement, preparing dosing solutions, labeling and handling samples, under explicit instructions.
• Assist with standard in vivo and/or in vitro experiments such as animal weight measurement, anesthesia support, dosing preparations, and cleaning after procedures, following strict protocols.
• Perform additional routine laboratory or administrative tasks when requested by supervisory staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or technical training in life sciences, biomedical sciences, laboratory technology, or related fields is preferred. Candidates with comparable practical experience and skills gained through prior hands-on lab work are also considered.
• Typically possesses 1 to 3 years of relevant laboratory experience in academic, research, or comparable environments.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory operations including handling reagents, consumables, samples, and performing routine lab procedures under supervision.
• Experience with laboratory administrative processes such as ordering, invoice processing, inventory upkeep, documentation management, and coordinating with suppliers or departments.
• Willingness and ability to assist with routine experimental and animal-related tasks while strictly adhering to established protocols and safety standards.
• Good understanding of lab safety requirements and the ability to comply with institutional rules, operating procedures, and safety regulations.
• Capability to effectively report, communicate, and seek guidance, ensuring prompt notification of problems or uncertainties to supervisors.
• Strong organizational aptitude, attention to detail, reliability, and a commitment to accurately performing routine tasks in a timely manner.

Additional Information

Santen offers a career path where you can make a meaningful impact by contributing to enhanced vision health globally. The company values diversity, inclusiveness, and a flexible working environment, fostering innovation and employee well-being. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Santen respects and supports all employees regardless of personal characteristics and will accommodate candidates’ needs during the recruitment process.