TEAM RNA
We are a multidisciplinary team and we value diversity and collaboration.
We are currently hiring Postdoctoral Research Fellows and Research Officers to work on funded projects related to RNA technologies, RNA delivery and RNA therapeutics. If you are interested in joining our team, please email Sherry.

Principal Scientist
SHERRY SHIYING AW, Ph.D.
PhD in Developmental Biology, Harvard University, USA
BS in Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin - Madison, USA
My lab is driven by the creative potential and utility of RNA. We operate at the intersection of synthetic biology and disease, engineering controllable RNA technologies for the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. I'm tickled by how creative science can be, and am particularly invigorated by interdisciplinary projects and the privilege of brainstorming with scientists and engineers to build new ideas from the ground up.
I never imagined I would be a scientist but jumped at the chance to experience life overseas when I was offered an EDB scholarship to study Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. There, I was fortunate to meet Marv Wickens as my undergraduate advisor, who recruited me to work on PUF RNA-binding proteins in his lab. After a summer as a CSHL URP working on viral RNA trafficking with Dave Jackson, I decided to pursue a PhD at Harvard under an A*STAR Scholarship, working with Michael Levin on roles for ion channels in developmental patterning. Returning back to Singapore, I came back to my RNA roots in my postdoc with Stephen Cohen on microRNAs in neurodegeneration, before starting my lab at IMCB.
We are committed to building a supportive and intellectually rigorous environment that values collaboration, integrity and growth. If you are a motivated trainee or ECR who enjoys creative deep thinking and experimental rigor, and are interested in RNA therapeutics and gene regulation, we welcome you to join us!

Scientist
A*STAR Career Development Fund Awardee
CHARANNYA SOZHEESVARI SUBHRAMANYAM, PH.D.
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore
Master of Technology in Biotechnology, Anna University, India
Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology, Anna University, India
The domain of nucleic acid has always fascinated me. I obtained my doctoral degree from the National University of Singapore for my research on identifying the role of small non-coding RNA, piRNA, and its associated proteins in biological processes related to the brain. In my post-doctoral training, I wanted to focus on developing technologies that have translational potential to benefit people suffering from various disease conditions. Excitingly, my current work on RNA therapeutics aligns with my interest. Besides science, I enjoy spending time in nature (basically Opacarophile) and have a newfound passion for food photography and portrait sketching!

Ph.D. Student
A*GA Scholar
CHERMAINE TAN
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Hons),
National University of Singapore, Singapore
I am a fresh graduate from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering). I enjoy working on interdisciplinary projects together with people of different expertise. The collision and integration of ideas from different minds has never failed to amaze me. As part of my resolution for the year, I have been trying to read a variety books during my free time these days and I also enjoy watching thriller and crime films.

Research Officer
SAMUEL KEVIN PASARIBU
BS in Life Sciences and Statistics,
National University of Singapore
Hi, everyone! I have just graduated from NUS with Life Sciences/Statistics double major. My research experiences include genetic engineering of filamentous fungi for heterologous protein production and characterization of a dual-role telomeric protein/transcriptional regulator. Currently, my interests are all about RNA technology, protein biochemistry, and cancer biology. I hope to contribute to the advancement of molecular therapeutics. Outside the lab, I spend my spare time as a volunteer competitive biology tutor, where I equip students for the national biology olympiad. I also enjoy hiking, gaming, listening to music, and reading music journalism, specifically modern Japanese pop. Please hit me up if you want to exchange music playlists :)

Scientist
LE THI NHU Y, PH.D.
MPhil, Ph.D. in Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong
BSc in Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh University of Technology – Vietnam National University (HCMUT), Vietnam
Hi, everyone!
I completed my postgraduate research in Hong Kong, and I am happy to embark on a new journey with Sherry’s group. During my PhD studies, I focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of RNA and protein interactions. I am fascinated by the diversity of the RNA world, especially considering that its building blocks are just four nucleotides: A, U, G, and C. My six years of training in Hong Kong taught me that research can be “painful” sometimes. However, I believe just like running “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” - Haruki Murakami, I choose to enjoy every moment doing research. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and cycling. I also have a passion for reading, so feel free to share your favourite books with me!

Scientist
YUNYAN YAO, PH.D.
PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Nanjing University, China
BSc in Chemistry, Fuzhou University, China
My PhD research focused on the proximity labeling and manipulation of glycosylated biomolecules. Discovering the many perspectives from which we can explore glycan biology has inspired me to incorporate my glycan-driven interests into the RNA realm, where glycoRNA is emerging as a new frontier. Currently, I am working on an RNA delivery project and aim to investigate how this naturally occurring “sweet” component (glycan) may influence neuroscience and contribute to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Outside the lab, I am a fan of classical music, and relocating to Singapore has provided me with more opportunities to attend live concerts. I have also recently developed an interest in snorkeling and hope to try diving someday.

Research Officer
SAMANTHA EASAIYA
Bsc in Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Previously I worked on uncovering protein–protein interactions in the immune system during my FYP at SIGN. I’m fascinated by how molecular switches shape cellular behaviour, and I’m excited to venture into RNA biology and contribute to translational research, where molecular discoveries become real treatments. Outside of work, I’m an ardent fan of musicals and theatre. I also have a tiny ghost toy on my desk that I craft hats for, so feel free to suggest ideas for its next hat!

Research Officer
NGUYEN CHI THIEN
Bsc in Biological Sciences
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Hi, everyone! I previously studied in Korea, where I researched on mammalian synthetic biology and epigenetic engineering. I am interested in engineering smart therapeutic systems capable of sensing and computing disease states for precise and adaptive disease treatment. This interest draws me to RNA, which can be rewired to be intracellular biosensors. Away from the lab, I enjoy reading and watching science fiction. One of my favorite sci-fi novels is Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I’m always open to new recommendations for sci-fi books or films!

Senior Scientist
JUAN MANUEL ADRIAN-SEGARRA
PhD, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Germany
Bsc in Biology, University of Valencia, Spain
Lab Alumni
Shengnan Li, Postdoctoral Fellow (2023 - 2025), Postdoctoral Fellow at IMCB, A*STAR
Eugene Lee, Postdoctoral Fellow (2022 - 2024), Postdoctoral Fellow at IMCB, A*STAR
Wilson Yap, Research Officer (2023 - 2024), PhD student at IMCB, A*STAR
Shermaine Tay, Postdoctoral Fellow (2022 - 2023)
Mandy Lim, Postdoctoral Fellow (2020 - 2023), Postdoctoral Fellow at NUS, CSI
Chi Jie Ying, Research Officer (2021 - 2022), PhD student at GIS, A*STAR
Teo Shi Jie, Research Officer (2021 - 2022), Research Officer at GIS, A*STAR
Kah Junn Tan, Research Officer (2016 - 2019, 2021 - 2022), Research Officer at TLL
Animesh Banerjee, Research Fellow, (2018 - 2021), Research Fellow in IMCB, A*STAR
Moumita Chatterjee, Research Officer (2019 - 2021), PhD student at Neuroscience at Instituto de Neurociencias
Koh Chong Hui, Research Officer (2017 - 2019), PhD student in School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, NTU