[Job]: Full-Time Research Assistant position in Insect Diversity Lab

The Insect Diversity Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, is in search of a full-time Research Assistant. We study global insect diversity with current focus on bees and related wasps of Southeast Asia. A key goal is to develop taxonomic infrastructure and to use this to advance research on insect urban ecology, behaviour, and conservation.

Core Responsibilities include:

• Organise and conduct DNA barcoding work for bees of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
• Specimen preparation, database entries, DNA extractions, PCR and data analyses.
• Coordinate with collaborators within the NUS Department of Biological Sciences and overseas.

Additional Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Data entry and management of specimen and bibliographic databases.
• Technical and report/scientific paper editing.
• Processing of collected specimens (pinning, labeling, curating, and dissection for DNA).
• Specimen imaging using an imaging system.
• Acting as a liaison with various external agencies, e.g. NParks to obtain permits.
• Field sampling of bees/wasps using a sweep net.

Abilities:

• Prior experience with molecular taxonomy, especially DNA barcoding and molecular diagnostics.
• Prior experience in the field of entomology will help but can be picked up on the job.
• Written and verbal competency in the English language is a necessity.
• Familiarity with NGS barcoding techniques is desirable.
• Prior technical expertise or familiarity with software used in data management, analysis, and visualization is preferred.
• Additional abilities/experience in statistics is desirable.
• The candidate should be conscientious and adaptive, and enthusiastic about working with insects both alive and dead.
• The job requires attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus when working independently.

Application details

• This position is for 1 year, with potential for renewal.
• Applicants should be ready to start work in January 2019.
• Degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• Remuneration: SGD $3,000/month (dependent on qualifications and includes CPF contribution for Singaporeans/PR).
• Interested applicants should submit their CV, a short write-up about how this job may contribute to the applicant’s long term goals, and a sample of their academic writing.
• Please submit these to Dr John Ascher (dbsajs@nus.edu.sg) and Miss Ong Xin Rui (dbsoxr@nus.edu.sg) by 16 November 2018.
• Short-listed applicants will be notified for an interview by end-November 2018.

Assistant Professor John Stoskopf Ascher Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore 14, Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543 Email: dbsajs@nus.edu.sg

Job: Full-time Research Assistant for NUS‒NParks Marine Debris Project (6 months; deadline 31 Oct 2018)

The Research Assistant will assist in the NUS‒NParks Marine Debris Project, which involves establishing a national baseline data of marine debris. The role involves mainly assistance in the marine debris monitoring programme, volunteer management and processing of microplastic samples.

The is a 6-month full-time position with monthly pay and remuneration depends on qualification.

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in marine debris monitoring programme and workshops.
• Laboratory-based work involving sorting and identifying of microplastics from sediments.

Job requirements:

• An undergraduate degree in Sciences/Biology/Environmental Studies or a biology-related field.
• Able to work on weekends to carry out marine debris monitoring programme.
• Meticulous, responsible and careful with samples and data management.
• Good organizational skills and excellent attention to detail is essential.
• Strong oral, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Any experience in sorting (e.g., macroinvertebrate) is desirable.

Desirable:

• A good knowledge and experience in marine debris and microplastics.
• Experience in volunteer management.
• Good at data management and experience with data analysis.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to Ms Joleen Chan at joleen.chan@nus.edu.sg by 31 October 2018. Shortlisted applicants will be notified for the interview by mid–Nov 2018.