Research Associate (Natural Sciences and Science Education) [NIE]

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Associate on a 9-month contract at the Natural Sciences and Science Education Department.

Project Title: Antioxidant defense mechanisms in the partially bleached fluted giant clam Tridacna squamosa and its symbionts during elevated temperature stress

Project Introduction: Giant clams are marine bivalve mollusks that live in symbiosis with extracellular symbiotic dinoflagellates (zooxanthellae), which are phototrophic. They inhabit shallow reef waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific. Tridacna squamosa, a species of giant clams can be found in Singapore waters, albeit with dwindling populations. Due to the rise in ocean temperature, giant clams like scleractinian corals can undergo bleaching i.e., they lose their symbionts and become whitish in color. However, the mortality rate of the bleached clams under natural conditions was < 5% eight months after the bleaching event while that of some coral species under the same conditions were > 99%. Thus, giant clams have a higher resilience during thermal stress as compared to corals. The cascade initiation events that link triggers to endpoints of bleaching in corals can be explained by the oxidative hypothesis and the carbon limitation hypothesis. However, whether these two hypotheses are applicable to giant clams remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study is to use biochemical, molecular (including cloning, sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting) and immunohistochemical methods to elucidate the mechanisms and processes related to partial bleaching and recovery from partial bleaching under thermal stress in T. squamosa.

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Marine Science or a closely related scientific discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of working experience in a research laboratory
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including cloning, sequencing, gel electrophoresis, PCR and quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.
• Experience in taking care and handling of giant clams.
• Strong dissection skills, particularly in the collection of tissues of marine organisms like fish and mollusks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), data analysis and imaging software (SPSS, Adobe Photoshop, ilastik and Image J), and Bioinformatic software (BioEdit).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a proactive and self-motivated manner.
• Strong publication record, with multiple publications in reputable international marine science journals.

Responsibilities:

• Requisition and purchasing matters using Ariba.
• Daily maintenance of live specimens in the aquarium.
• Perform biochemical and molecular biology experiments on the giant clams.
• Maintenance of the research laboratories and aquarium.
• Guidance of undergraduates in their final year projects.
• Carry out literature search using search engines e.g. Web of Science, google scholar etc.
• Gathering data and writing scientific manuscripts.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 14 calendar days from date of posting.