Research Fellow – Synthetic Biology

About the role

The School of Biological Sciences at Nanyang Technological University seeks a motivated Research Fellow to join Prof. Liang Zhao‑Xun’s laboratory. The successful candidate will contribute to a cutting‑edge project focused on enzyme discovery and synthetic biology, working within a vibrant, international research community.

Key responsibilities

• Express, purify, and biochemically characterize enzymes, including polyketide synthases and non‑ribosomal peptide synthetases.
• Design and execute in‑vitro enzymatic assays, perform kinetic and mechanistic studies using LC‑MS, HPLC, and spectroscopic techniques.
• Participate in pathway reconstitution, functional validation, and protein‑engineering or directed‑evolution campaigns.
• Conduct genome mining for novel biosynthetic enzymes and collaborate with structural‑biology and computational teams.
• Prepare manuscripts, present findings, and support grant reporting.
• Mentor graduate students and junior researchers in the laboratory.

Required profile

• PhD in biochemistry, chemical biology, enzymology, molecular biology, synthetic biology or a closely related field.
• Strong background in enzyme biochemistry, protein expression, and purification.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, troubleshoot complex biochemical systems, and collaborate effectively.
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications and excellent scientific communication skills.

Required skills

• Enzyme expression and protein purification
• LC‑MS and HPLC analysis
• Spectroscopic methods for kinetic studies
• Protein engineering and directed evolution
• Genome mining and bioinformatics
• Structural biology collaboration
• Experience with polyketide synthases or non‑ribosomal peptide synthetases (advantageous)