Research Assistant - Spinal Sarcopenia in Older Adults

Job Overview

The Singapore Institute of Technology invites candidates to join as a Research Assistant on a translational research initiative focused on spinal sarcopenia in elderly populations. This project encompasses muscle degeneration, senescent progenitor cells, and regenerative impairments, offering a multidisciplinary and applied research experience across clinical, imaging, and laboratory domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Principal Investigator and research team in project execution and coordination.
• Manage participant recruitment, scheduling, follow-ups, and administrative duties ensuring compliance with ethical protocols.
• Perform and record functional assessments along with other study-related data collection.
• Handle, organize, and analyze imaging datasets.
• Support laboratory procedures including tissue processing, histology, immunofluorescence, qPCR, ELISA, among others.
• Maintain comprehensive databases and accurate project documentation.
• Contribute to literature reviews, data cleansing, preliminary analysis, report preparation, and regulatory submissions.
• Facilitate procurement processes for reagents and consumables necessary for research.
• Adhere to safety standards, biosafety regulations, and institutional research governance policies.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, life sciences, physiotherapy, diagnostic radiography, medical laboratory science, or related fields.
• Strong enthusiasm for clinical, translational, musculoskeletal, or ageing-related research.
• Prior experience in clinical research coordination, patient data collection, imaging analysis, or lab techniques is preferred.
• Knowledge of histology, microscopy, immunofluorescence, molecular assays, or tissue-related lab workflows is advantageous.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and professional conduct.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with ImageJ, SPSS, STATA, or similar analytical tools is a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and responsible with capacity to work independently.
• Meticulous in handling data, specimens, and documentation.
• Collaborative team player able to interface with academic, clinical, and student partners.
• Adaptable and eager to learn within a fast-evolving multidisciplinary research setting.

Additional Information

This opportunity provides immersive experience in translational research with real-world clinical impact, involving human studies, imaging, and laboratory science. It includes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and positions candidates for future research roles or postgraduate study.

Contract Duration: 1 year fixed term.

Work Location: Singapore Institute of Technology and associated partner sites as necessary.