Research Officer (BDMED) – Plant Extracts and Metabolomics

About the role

The Research Officer supports the Phytochemical Discovery Core (PDC) within the SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED). The incumbent prepares plant samples, extracts them, profiles them chemically, fractionates and isolates compounds to build a traceable, quality-controlled library of plant extracts, fractions and isolated compounds for research. Working under the supervision of the Research Fellow/PDC Lead, the role also contributes to method optimisation and the delivery of research and core service projects.

Key responsibilities

• Receive, label, catalogue and track plant samples; dry, grind, weigh, extract, centrifuge, filter, concentrate and freeze-dry according to SOPs, calculate extraction yields and prepare stock solutions.
• Operate and maintain LC-MS, GC-MS, QTOF-MS and Orbitrap-MS systems, and support SFE-SFC and preparative/analytical HPLC workflows, including fraction collection, concentration, re-analysis and documentation of fraction identity and yield.
• Perform data acquisition and interpretation, and conduct cellular, genetic, biochemical and drug screening assays, validating targets in vitro and in vivo with natural plant compounds.
• Maintain lab safety and hygiene, establish and update SOPs, and provide technical support and housekeeping.
• Help procure laboratory supplies and equipment, liaise with vendors, track invoices and delivery notes, and prepare documents for internal checks and external audits.
• Take part in scientific discussions, present research outcomes and contribute to manuscript preparation and publication.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Natural Products Chemistry or a related discipline; biochemistry or biotechnology candidates should show relevant experience in chromatography, mass spectrometry or natural-product extraction.
• Experience preparing biological samples for MS-based metabolomics (GC and LC), including phytochemical extraction from plants, and handling tissue, stool and plasma samples.
• Experience with plant-based protein extraction and characterisation by gel electrophoresis, western blot and prep-HPLC.
• Ability to multi-task across several projects in a dynamic research environment, with good written and oral communication and computer skills.

Required skills

• Hands-on experience with LC/GC instrumentation and data acquisition and interpretation.
• Metabolomics and proteomics sample preparation and data acquisition.
• SOME knowledge of microbiology, microbiome and molecular biology, including DNA/RNA extraction.