Research Officer/research Assistant

**The Opportunity**

Esco Lifesciences Group provides enabling technologies, products and services to the life sciences and healthcare industries, supporting academic research and scientific discoveries, clinical practice, as well as biopharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing. Headquartered in Singapore, Esco has an extensive sales network in over 100 countries, direct sales and service offices in over 24 countries, 8 manufacturing and R&D hubs in the US, Europe, the UK, China, Singapore, Indonesia, and over 1500 employees worldwide.

Esco is poised to benefit from the sustained growth of the healthcare and biopharma industries in Asia and globally. Esco has achieved market leadership in China, and globally, in multiple categories within some of the fastest-growing segments — with China being its largest and fastest growing market. As a Singapore-headquartered company, Esco is a nexus of East and West, bridging technologies, products and talent across the world, with global operations spanning the US, Europe and Asia.

**Who we’re looking for**

**Physical/Mental Requirements/Work Environment**
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret scientific data and publications.
- Ability to author or review protocols, technical reports and technology transfer documents.
- Ability to author or review standard operating procedures and other related documents.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
- Ability to focus.
- Repetitive motions due to certain laboratory techniques.
- Ability to adapt and keep up with rapid changes in a fluid and dynamic environment as this is a rapidly evolving space.

**The Scope**

You will be part of Esco Aster’s stem cell division and contribute to the company’s CDMO mission and objectives. You will perform research and process development activities, mainly in support of adherent cells production, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, clients and partners.

Primary Work Location: Ayer Rajah Crescent, One North

**Responsibilities**:

- Utilize Tide Motion and other bioprocess platforms to produce adherent cell type for autologous and allogeneic cell therapy, gene-modified adherent cell therapy (e.g. gene-modified MSCs).
- Develop DSP methods to remove particulates and concentrate cells for manufacturing purposes.
- Perform process characterization as needed based on project scope.
- Perform characterization of cells via FACS, qPCR and equivalent techniques.
- Conduct biology-related research. Independently and efficiently plan and perform experiments in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Design and execute experiments, conducts assay development, interprets data, writes technique reports, and generates SOPs
- Execute service contracts from research to clinical grade cell therapy.
- Work jointly with other departments (DSP processing/analytical development/QC) to develop end to end continuous process with process intensification.
- Be involved with cross-functional team for Internal transfer from GLP into clinical trial manufacturing.
- Testing of new tools to provide feedback to engineering and manufacturing teams.
- Aid in writing of user requirement specifications.
- Aid in validation (e.g. FAT) and engineering runs prior to clinical trial manufacturing.
- Assist in technical proposals and costings to help close sales.
- Undertake tasks assigned by Team leader as and when appropriate.
- Undertake other tasks as assigned based on project needs.
- Be involved and contribute to creation of protocols and technical reports.

**Requirements**:

- At least 1-2 years related laboratory experience including mammalian cell culture and stem cells
- Microbiology/Cell biology Background
- Experience in isolation of stem cells, tissue banking and generation of cell bank
- Experience with cell assays such as FACS, ELISA, biological assays
- Experience with bioreactor systems
- General laboratory skills, good pipetting skills and experience with automation
- Experience using formulas and linking spreadsheets in Excel
- Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills
- Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude
- Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
- Good presentation skills
- A friendly and pleasant disposition

**Minimum Requirements**
- BSC graduate in Biology or related science and 1-2 Years mammalian cell culture and stem cells experience