The research programme of the Genome & Gene Expression Data Analysis Group touches on two major focus areas in Singapore: Stem Cell Biology and Systems Biology. The group is involved in a number of national and international initiatives to address fundamental biological questions such as the nature of stemness, the mechanisms regulating self-renewal and differentiation etc. in embryonic and adult stem cells using systems biology approaches. Applicants must have basic cell culture and molecular biology skills. Applicants having both bioinformatics & laboratory skills will be preferred. A background in stem cell biology with experience in microarray data analysis is a plus.

1. 1)  Principal Investigator
2. 2)  Post Doctoral Research Fellows
3. 3)  Post Doctoral Research Fellows
4. 4)  Post Doctoral Research Fellows / Research Associates
5. 5)  Research Associates

1) Principal Investigator

A major focus of a new research group of the Genome and Gene Expression Data Analysis Division (GGEDA), BII/A-STAR, is bridging genomics, transcriptomics and biomedical studies through the development and application of computational biology and systems biology approaches, probabilistic modeling and simulations. We are seeking a research scientist (PI level; for 3 years with possible extension) to spearhead of the data analysis/data mining/modeling/ algorithm development projects at GGEDA, working closely with biologists and bioinformaticians.

We are accepting application for one or more projects, including: multivariate transcriptome data analysis, transcription factors-DNA interactions, gene models, modeling and prediction of complex bio-molecular interaction networks, algorithms for sequence interaction analysis, analysis of structures and interactions of protein non-coding RNAs and their associations with cellular phenotypes and human diseases. You will use and develop probabilistic models, combinatorial algorithms, statistical methods and implement them in computer programs, large-scale calculations and predictions. We are looking for a candidate who is independent minded, can work well in a team environment, and willing to collaborate with experimental laboratories.

Singapore is a city-state with one of the highest standards of living in the world, seeking to become an international hub for the biomedical sciences. The Bioinformatics Institute has significant long-term resources and administrative flexibility to accomplish this national goal. As one of the flagship programs in Singapore's Biomedical Sciences Initiative, the BII/A-STAR seeks to bring together an international team of computational biologists, mathematicians, structural and molecular biologists to establish a world-class research institute focused on essential biological and biomedical questions.

PhD in computational biology, systems biology, discrete mathematics, statistics, biophysics and related disciplines is required. Strong expertise in large data set analysis is required. Very good programming experience is required, particularly in Java, C/C++, R, S-plus, Fortran; Mathematica, SQL, Oracle, website and database experience is a plus.

A scientist position (PI level) requests 3 -7 years after PhD and strong publication record. Interested applicants should send CV, statement of research interests and the names and addresses of three references to Vladimir Kuznetsov at

2) Post-Doctoral Research Fellows

You will be involved in development of the research program of the Division of Genome and Gene Expression Data Analysis, BII. This division attempts to understand transcription regulation and its relevance for phenotypic properties of cells. Complex biological phenomena such as stem cell differentiation and cancer cell progression are analyzed, modeled and predicted for eliciting essential gene expression patterns, non-coding RNAs, complex genome architectures and their clinical associations. DNA-protein, RNA-protein, DNA-RNA interactions and other bio-molecular interactions on the genome-wide and local scales are studied.

You will develop and apply the computational, bioinformatics and statistical tools to analyze the complex large-scale data sets providing by modern sequencing(ChIP-seq, ChIP-PET, Chip-chip etc) and expression technologies (m-arrays).

PhD with extensive experience in Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Maths/Statistics or Biophysics. Strong programming skills (C++, BioPerl, R, Java) are required. Possess good understanding of fundamentals of gene structure, gene expression, transcription regulation, molecular evolution. Familiar with RNA secondary structure analysis, ncRNA pathways, computational methods of large-scale genomic analysis, databases, probabilistic & random graph theory methods are highly preferred. Good team player, independent, self driven with initiatives to work in multi-disciplinary environment.

Please forward a letter of interest including curriculum vitae, research goals, names and contact information of three referees to Vladimir Kuznetsov at

3) Post-Doctoral Research Fellows

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the Genome and Gene Expression Data Analysis Division at Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Singapore. We are interested in understanding the functions of a recently discovered class of long non-protein coding RNAs [Science 309:1559-1563 (2005)].

The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated, to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary research team, pursue an integrated approach involving molecular, cellular, and biochemical methodologies. The projects will be carried out in close association with bioinformatics scientists aiming the biological validation of computational biology and systems biology predictions.

Previous experience in recombinant techniques, large-scale genomic and gene expression analyses (microarrays, ChIP-chip/seq etc) and some bioinformatics background will be advantage.

Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills; must be adaptable to changing work requirements. The ability to develop and execute new ideas is essential.

Singapore is a city-state with one of the highest standards of living in the world, seeking to become an international hub for the biomedical sciences. The Bioinformatics Institute has significant long-term resources and administrative flexibility to accomplish this national goal. As one of the flagship programs in Singapore's Biomedical Sciences Initiative, the BII/A-STAR seeks to bring together an international team of computational biologists, mathematicians, structural and molecular biologists to establish a world-class research institute focused on essential biological and biomedical questions.

Interested candidates please send a cover letter briefly describing prior research experience, CV and names and contact information of two references to Dr. Igor Kurochkin at

4) Post-Doctoral Research Fellow / Research Associate
You will validate/modify/develop integrative statistical data analysis methods. Data includes comparative genomic hybridization, gene expression, proteomics, metabonomics, protein-DNA binding, protein-protein binding, and high-content cellular screening data. You will be involved with developing novel mathematical and statistical methods for advanced data interpretation and pathway analysis. You will work with experimental scientists on collaborative projects in stem cell, cancer cell and immune cell research.

Requirements:

• PhD/MS with experience in applied data analysis in the Life Sciences
• Demonstrated accomplishments in Bioinformatics, Biology, Mathematics or Statistics
• Skills in high-level programming language such as Java, C++, C, Matlab or R package
• Knowledge in sequence analysis or machine learning will be an advantage

5) Research Associate
The group is involved in a number of national and international initiatives to address fundamental biological questions such as the mechanisms regulating self-renewal & differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. We use gene expression analysis for identifying signaling pathways active in MSC growth & differentiation & are currently studying the mechanisms regulating these pathways.

You will be part of Genome and Gene Expression Data Analysis Group to participate in projects supervised by our Research Scientists. You will contribute to experimentally validating the results obtained through the computational analysis of gene expression data.

Requirements:

• A Masters in Biology/Information Technology/Bioinformatics or a strong biology background and an interest in cell biology
• Previous experience with embryonic or adult stem cells (cell culture or cell characterization) & microarray will be preferred, but not necessary
• Additional knowledge of bioinformatics and XML skills will be advantageous
• A good team player with enthusiasm, curiosity to learn and innovate to new ideas