Research Assistant/Associate – Gut‑Brain Axis Lab

About the role

The Hwei‑Ee Tan lab at NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine is seeking a motivated Research Assistant/Associate to support cutting‑edge investigations of the gut‑brain axis using mouse models. The role combines hands‑on animal work, molecular techniques, and data analysis to uncover how diet‑induced microbiome changes influence host physiology and behavior.

Key responsibilities

• Handle and maintain rodent colonies, including gnotobiotic and conventional mice.
• Perform surgical procedures, optogenetic/chemogenetic manipulations, and calcium imaging experiments.
• Conduct molecular biology, histology, and microbiome sequencing workflows.
• Run behavioural assays assessing food reward, anxiety, and other phenotypes.
• Analyse experimental data, generate figures, and present findings in lab meetings.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, order supplies, and ensure compliance with animal ethics protocols.

Required profile

• Graduate degree (MSc or PhD) or equivalent experience in neuroscience, microbiology, or related life‑science fields.
• Demonstrated experience with mouse handling, surgery, or behavioural testing.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research spanning molecular biology and systems neuroscience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced academic environment.

Required skills

• Rodent handling and gnotobiotic techniques
• Optogenetics and chemogenetics
• Animal surgery and dissection
• Calcium imaging
• Molecular biology and histology
• Microscopy
• Behavioural assay design and execution
• Microbiome analysis
• Data analysis and scientific presentation