Graduate Research Assistant

ABOUT THE UNIT:

The Translational Cancer Biology Unit at Cancer Research Malaysia investigates the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms underlying cancers that disproportionately affect Asian populations. The unit focuses on establishing and characterising Asian-derived cancer models to generate biologically and clinically relevant insights, with a particular emphasis on oral cancers and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), to inform improved therapeutic strategies.

JOB SCOPE:

The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) will be responsible for delivering milestones of the research program titled Building Translational Models for Malaysian NPC: From Molecular Characterization to Therapeutic Targeting, funded by KPJU Research Grant and CRMY internal funding. Specifically, the GRA will be assisting the principal investigators and co-investigators to study the clinical and genomic features of NPC and determine how these correlate with disease outcomes. These includes conducting retrospective analyses on the survival pattern of patients in relation with disease subtypes, gene signatures, EBV viral load and viral strains. Furthermore, the GRA will also assist in establishing new NPC cell line models that can be used to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. This role involves both data-driven analyses and laboratory-based research, providing the GRA with comprehensive training in translational cancer research. Subjected to funder requirements, the GRA is expected to be enrolled in a Master's programme at a selected university while being appointed as a GRA under the KPJU-funded project.

Roles and responsibilities include:

1. Retrieve and curate clinical and medical records for retrospective analyses

2. Perform analyses correlating clinical outcomes with disease subtypes, gene signatures, EBV viral load, and viral strain information

3. Conduct laboratory experiments to support the establishment and characterisation of NPC cell line models

4. Maintain accurate, comprehensive experimental records and raw data documentation

5. Ensure high-quality, reproducible data generation

6. Analyse and interpret experimental and clinical data, including troubleshooting and planning follow-up experiments

7. Communicate experimental procedures and findings effectively to the research team

8. Provide general administrative and project support as required

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in a biology-related discipline (e.g. biomedical science, biotechnology, molecular biology)

2. Experience in data organisation and basic statistical analysis

3. Hands-on experience in molecular and/or cell biology techniques

4. Ability to present scientific data verbally (e.g. presentations) and in writing (e.g. reports, manuscripts)

5. Strong motivation to contribute to impactful cancer research

6. Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines

7. Proactive, responsible, and able to work independently as well as within a team