Project Officer

A Project Officer position is available in the laboratory of Professor Julien Lescar at the School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

This project aims to understand the role of NS proteins in infection, screen for drugs against them and use the NS-inhibitor complex structures to guide drug optimization. The ~11 kb positive strand ZIKV RNA genome is directly translated to a single poly protein (C-prM-E-NS1-NS2A-NS2B-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5) that is processed by host and virus encoded proteases into three structural and seven nonstructural (NS) proteins necessary for viral propagation. ZIKV NS proteins are very attractive drug targets because of their crucial functions during viral replication. NS2B-NS3 is the protease-helicase responsible for viral polyprotein processing and viral genomic RNA unwinding, while NS5 is the methyltransferase-polymerase that replicates and methylates viral RNA. NS4B is devoid of enzymatic activities, but acts as a hub in the replication complex (RC) by interacting with NS3 (which itself interacts with NS5). The candidate will play an active role in this research in the field of structural biology and biochemistry. Expertise in protein cloning, expression and high-throughput drug screening are needed for this project.

Job Description

• Work with the PI and team members to perform experiments, document results, and analyse data

• Assist in purchasing of equipment, materials and consumables and provide general supports for the lab

• Keep track of cell lines, plasmids and other reagents and materials in the lab

Job Requirements

• Candidates should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent in any relevant fields of cell biology, biochemistry, virology or structural biology

• Previous research experience or laboratory training in molecular cellular biology is preferred

• Self-motivated and well-organized with good communication and technical skills

• Be able to work independently and collaborate effectively in a highly diverse and interdisciplinary team

The School of Biological Sciences seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU

In line with Singapore’s nationwide Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS), employees must be fully vaccinated to return to the workplace, unless certified to be medically ineligible. For Information on VDS, please click here .

A Project Officer position is available in the laboratory of Professor Julien Lescar at the School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

This project aims to understand the role of NS proteins in infection, screen for drugs against them and use the NS-inhibitor complex structures to guide drug optimization. The ~11 kb positive strand ZIKV RNA genome is directly translated to a single poly protein (C-prM-E-NS1-NS2A-NS2B-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5) that is processed by host and virus encoded proteases into three structural and seven nonstructural (NS) proteins necessary for viral propagation. ZIKV NS proteins are very attractive drug targets because of their crucial functions during viral replication. NS2B-NS3 is the protease-helicase responsible for viral polyprotein processing and viral genomic RNA unwinding, while NS5 is the methyltransferase-polymerase that replicates and methylates viral RNA. NS4B is devoid of enzymatic activities, but acts as a hub in the replication complex (RC) by interacting with NS3 (which itself interacts with NS5). The candidate will play an active role in this research in the field of structural biology and biochemistry. Expertise in protein cloning, expression and high-throughput drug screening are needed for this project.

Job Description

• Work with the PI and team members to perform experiments, document results, and analyse data

• Assist in purchasing of equipment, materials and consumables and provide general supports for the lab

• Keep track of cell lines, plasmids and other reagents and materials in the lab

Job Requirements

• Candidates should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent in any relevant fields of cell biology, biochemistry, virology or structural biology

• Previous research experience or laboratory training in molecular cellular biology is preferred

• Self-motivated and well-organized with good communication and technical skills

• Be able to work independently and collaborate effectively in a highly diverse and interdisciplinary team

The School of Biological Sciences seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU

In line with Singapore’s nationwide Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS), employees must be fully vaccinated to return to the workplace, unless certified to be medically ineligible. For Information on VDS, please click here .