Research Assistant/Associate (QC Chemist)

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the  NUS Career Portal. Please note your  application will only be processed if you  apply via NUS Career Portal.

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We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for  Research Assistant/ Research Associate (Quality Control (QC) Chemist)  in the Clinical Imaging Research Centre (CIRC) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. CIRC is a dedicated molecular imaging research centre. It is equipped with on-site capability for the preparation of PET radiopharmaceuticals in a state-of-the-art GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)-certified facility. CIRC is positioned to support both academic and commercially led clinical research programs, with dedicated clinical imaging facilities area advanced modalities of PET-CT and PET-MRI.  For more details on what we do, do visit Appointments will be made on a two-years contract basis with the possibility of extension.

Purpose of the post

The QC Chemist will be responsible to, and work closely with Head of QC, to ensure the successful and safe release of radiopharmaceuticals manufactured at CIRC. The QC Chemist’s principal role will be to perform all quality control tests required by pharmacopeia. Alongside with maintaining the inventory of raw materials, maintenance of equipment and all the necessary documentation required for the QC laboratory in compliance to PIC/S GMP.

Main duties and responsibilities

The QC Chemist will be able to:

Perform analytical chemistry testing, including HPLC, GC, radio-TLC, and other relevant techniques, to ensure radiopharmaceutical products are safe and suitable for clinical use in accordance with PIC/S GMP requirements.

Support Production investigational testing when required.

Manage environmental monitoring activities in cleanroom facilities, including environmental monitoring and airborne particle monitoring, in compliance with PIC/S GMP.

Perform and oversee routine microbiological testing, including microbial plate incubation, sterility testing, and bioburden testing. Liaise with third-party contractors where required.

Manage raw materials, including inventory control, purchasing, receiving, and maintaining accurate inventory records.

Establish, develop, optimise, and validate QC test methods for radiopharmaceutical release testing in accordance with PIC/S GMP requirements.

Assist in preparing and maintaining quality documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WINs), Recordsheets (RECs), validation protocols, and Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs).

Ensure that all required documentation and records are properly maintained and readily available within the QC laboratory.

Support the management of QC and metabolite laboratory equipment, including equipment qualification, operation, preventive maintenance, cleaning, calibration, and requalification.

Maintain cleanliness and housekeeping within the QC laboratory and cyclotron facility.

Manage the appropriate segregation, handling, and disposal of chemical and biohazardous wastes.

Comply and assist in maintaining good occupational safety and health practices in the QC laboratory in accordance with university guidelines and applicable safety requirements.

Undertake cross-training in routine radiopharmaceutical manufacturing within the Production team if required.

Perform other ad hoc duties and responsibilities as required for this role.

Qualifications

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Personnel should be comfortable with:

• Exposure to radiation when handling radioactive samples.
• Handling of chemicals for QC testing (flammables, acids, and bases).
• Handling of chemical and biohazard wastes.
• Occasion lifting of heavy objects.
• Flexible working hours with occasionally over time (depending on operational requirements).

Qualifications

The applicant should:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, or a related field.

Good knowledge of GMP and/or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Experience working in a GMP QC laboratory is an advantage. Candidates with no experience are welcome to apply.

Hands-on experience in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instruments, such as HPLC and GC, as well as aseptic isolators used for sterility testing.

Proactive and self-motivated, with strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Good to have leadership capabilities, with experience in mentoring team members and managing laboratory operations.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to  Ms Emmalyn Chan Mei Mei  at  emma.chan@nus.edu.sg.

Formal application: Please submit your application, indicating current/expected salary, supported by a detailed CV (including personal particulars, academic and employment history, complete list of publications/oral presentations and full contacts of three (3) referees to the NUS Career Portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.