Month: August 2019

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[Job] Job Opening for Insect Diversity Lab RA

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:

  • Process collected specimens (pinning, labelling, curating, and dissection for DNA).
  • Organise and conduct DNA barcoding work for bees of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
  • Specimen preparation, database entries, DNA extractions, PCR and data analyses.
  • Data entry and management of specimen and bibliographic databases.
  • Coordinate with collaborators within the NUS Department of Biological Sciences and overseas.

Additional Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Technical and report/scientific paper editing.
  • Specimen imaging using an imaging system.
  • Procuring equipment and consumables.
  • Ensuring proper maintenance and/or replacement of existing equipment.
  • Managing laboratory’s grants and budget.
  • 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 2020.
  • 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), Mr Tan Ming Kai (dbstmk@nus.edu.sg), and Miss Ong Xin Rui (dbsoxr@nus.edu.sg) by 23 September 2019.
  • Short-listed applicants will be notified for an interview by end-September 2019.

Assistant Professor John Stoskopf Ascher
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore
16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558

IDL