yam candice

As an experienced, committed scientist competently trained in the life sciences (14 years ), specifically in cell biology, I am seeking new opportunities in the Biomedical Industry. My training in various institutes has enabled me to be accustomed to working on a few projects concurrently (either independently or as part of a team) and to perform in a matrix environment. I am adept in working with mammalian cells and have carried out complex studies using various research techniques (radioactive, quantitative and molecular). 

March 2021-present 

Senior Research Fellow (Associate Staff Scientist)

Immuno-modulating Platform 

Singapore Immunology Network, A-Star, Singapore 

RSE3 grade 

• Mammalian:

Project lead on understanding the mechanism how G3BP1 interacts with TBK1 and IRF3 to promote interferon response during viral infection (figures obtained). 

Project lead on a dormancy project testing molecular targets which inhibits dormancy. Targets were identified from Crispr knockout screen performed earlier. 

Performed genome screening (RNA-seq and whole genome sequencing) on dormant lung cancer strains, currently validating targets identified. 

Generated 3D spheroid cellular structures to understand the linkages between hypoxia and dormancy. 

Part of core team involved in the processing and running of clinical stools samples to analyze the IgA bacterial population landscapes in healthy and cancer patients. 

• Yeast: Project lead on exploring how the polo kinase Cdc5 promotes cell cycle adaptation during DNA damage. Manuscript in preparation. 

• Lab safety manager: Responsible for ensuring lab’s operations are in line with the Institute safety rules. 

June 2018 -March 2021

Senior Research Fellow (Associate Staff Scientist) Promoted in 2020

Immuno-modulating Platform 

Bioprocesing Technology Institute (BTI), A-Star , Singapore 

RSE3 grade 

• Mammalian:

Project lead  for validating the efficacy of small molecules candidates identified from the lab’s proprietary Humanized Yeast Screening Platform, targeting key signaling pathways in mammalian cell lines. 

Performed Crispr knockout screen on A549 cells in presence of gefitinib to find targets responsible for the sensitization to gefitinib and also targets inhibiting cells going into dormancy during drug treatment.

Lead for initial experiments on designing and testing different conditions which drives lung cancer and breast cells into hypoxia (drug induced or incubation in hypoxia chamber)

October 2013-June 2018 

Research Fellow, Regulation of the Cell Division Cycle Group (Prof Uttam Surana’s Lab), Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A-Star, Singapore 

RSE2 grade

• Yeast:

Project lead for understanding how the Chk2-related kinase , Dun1, is responsible for maintaining cell cycle arrest during DNA damage. 

September 2008-September 2013

Junior Research Fellow, Cell dynamics Group (Dr. Snezhana Oliferenko’s Lab) Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 

• Yeast:

My PhD project is focused on understanding the different mitotic strategies employed by two fission yeasts , S.pombe and S.japonicus and the regulators driving the differences.  I have published 2 main papers from my PhD project. 

PMP certified (Sept’ 2021)

January 2009-Arpil 2014 

Graduate Studies: Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore and Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Ph.D 

August 2004-August 2008

Undergraduate Studies: School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, B.Sc. (2nd Upper Honours).