Research Assistant (1 year contract)

Research Assistant**(**1 year contract)

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our interdisciplinary research team at Woodlands Hospital. You will play a hands-on role in developing cutting-edge patient-derived 3D bone organoid models to advance osteoporosis research and personalised medicine. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of biology, engineering and clinical science, contributing to research that has real potential to improve patient outcomes.

You will collaborate closely with clinicians, bioengineers, computational researchers and external partners — including overseas collaborators — as part of a dynamic and supportive research environment.

What You Will Do

As a core member of the wet laboratory team, you will develop, optimise and standardise 3D bone organoid models derived from patient samples. Your day-to-day work will involve mammalian cell culture techniques, including the isolation, expansion, differentiation and cryopreservation of human primary cells and mesenchymal stromal cells. You will also support 3D bioprinting workflows, hydrogel and scaffold preparation, and organoid culture under both static and dynamic conditions.

A key aspect of the role involves integrating immune cell components — specifically peripheral blood mononuclear cells — to study immune–bone interactions, osteoclast activity, inflammation and bone remodelling. You will conduct pharmacological response studies and carry out a range of molecular, biochemical, histological and imaging-based analyses to characterise experimental outcomes.

Beyond benchwork, you will help maintain laboratory equipment, bioreactor systems and imaging platforms, and ensure that all specimen processing is carried out in accordance with approved protocols and biosafety requirements. You will keep thorough experimental records, manage sample inventories and reagent logs, and contribute to the quality control and documentation of biological datasets for integration with clinical and computational data streams.

You will also contribute to the preparation of standard operating procedures, ethics documents, research reports, presentations and manuscripts, and help coordinate experimental schedules across the team and with collaborating institutions.

What We Are Looking For

You should have a degree in Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences, Bioengineering or a related discipline. Prior hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture is essential. Familiarity with any of the following would be advantageous: 3D cell culture or organoid systems, bioprinting, immunology assays, histology, microscopy or bioreactor operation.

We are looking for someone who is meticulous, organised and able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Good communication skills and a willingness to engage with collaborators across institutions — including clinical and engineering stakeholders — will be important for success in this role.

Why Join Us

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to translational research with direct clinical relevance, working alongside a team that spans hospital, academic and industry partnerships. You will gain broad exposure to advanced laboratory techniques and emerging research platforms in a supportive environment that values learning and development.