SKILLS TRAINING @ SJINML
Elevate your research capabilities at SJINML with our structured skills training program. Training sessions are available to all registered SJINML researchers.
Facility Tour
An in-person facility tour is required for all new researcher before you may carry out research at our facility. This training provides essential information on general, laboratory, and aquaria safety. Proper safety protocols and emergency procedures will be highlighted to ensure that all researchers are familiar especially with safe practice in lab and aquaria workplace.
What will this training cover?
- General induction
- Laboratory induction
- Aquaria induction
Session trainers:
- Lab Managers and Aquarium Managers
Who should go for this training?
- Registered researchers in SJINML
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 07 Oct 2025, Tuesday | 9:30am - 10:30am |
| 28 Oct 2025, Tuesday | 9:30am - 10:30am |
| 04 Nov 2025, Tuesday | 9:30am - 10:30am |
| 18 Nov 2025, Tuesday | 9:30am - 10:30am |
| 02 Dec 2025, Tuesday | 9:30am - 10:30am |
| 16 Dec 2025, Tuesday | 9:30am - 10:30am |
Operation of Basic Lab Equipment
This training aims to assist researchers to work effectively in a research lab with skills to correctly operate basic laboratory instruments. The course will cover the proper use of a weighing balance, handling of the Milli-Q ultrapure water system, and the safe use of a fume hood. Additionally, the etiquette for use of the many shared resources such as the ice maker, oven, fridge and freezers available in our labs will be also introduced.
What equipment will this training cover?
• Weighing balance
• MilliQ Water System
• Fridge and freezer (4 and -20 deg)
• Fumehood
• Ice maker
• Oven
Session trainers:
- Ms Helen Wong and Ms Lim Lay Peng
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers interested in operating the above equipment.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 09 Oct 2025, Thursday | 1.30pm-2.30pm |
| 04 Nov 2025, Tuesday | 1.30pm-2.30pm |
| 04 Dec 2025, Thursday | 1.30pm-2.30pm |
Safe Operation of the Chillers, Water Baths and Sonicators
The training on use of water bath, chiller bath, and sonicator includes learning their basic operations, such as setting temperature controls and adjusting settings. Safety and maintenance are emphasized, covering precautions to prevent accidents and proper equipment care.
What equipment will this training cover?
• Chiller
• Waterbath
• Sonicator
Session trainers:
- Ms Serina Lee and Ms Helen Wong
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers interested in operating these equipment.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 01 Oct 2025, Wednesday | 3.30pm-4.30pm |
Essential Trainings for Working in Larval Culture and Mariculture Room
This training aims to equip researchers with knowledge for using the shared resources available in Larval Culture and Mariculture Room.
What will be covered in this training?
• Use of hemocytometer for cell counting
• Correct pipetting skills
• Use of refractometer for measuring seawater salinity
• Use of basic stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ16)
• Use of environmental chamber
• Use of wall mounted filtration system to collect seawater
• Rules and regulations pertaining to shared use of common resources in Larval Culture Room
Session trainers:
- Ms Serina Lee and Ms Helen Wong
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers interested in working in Larval Culture and Mariculture room.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 07 Oct 2025, Tuesday | 1.00pm-3.30pm |
| 28 Oct 2025, Tuesday | 1.00pm-3.30pm |
| 18 Nov 2025, Tuesday | 1.00pm-3.30pm |
| 16 Dec 2025, Tuesday | 1.00pm-3.30pm |
Introduction to Steam Sterilization (BSL1 work only)
This course will train researchers to the safe use of autoclave to sterilise equipment and the rules to the operation of oven used for drying the sterilised equipment.
What equipment will this training cover?
• Use of autoclave
• Use of drying oven for autoclaved items
Session trainers:
- Ms Serina Lee and Ms Lim Lay Peng
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers interested in using the autoclave to sterilize, decontaminate or prepare media and solutions and researchers who need to use the oven to dry your sterilized items.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 07 Oct 2025, Tuesday | 11.30am - 12.00pm |
| 04 Nov 2025, Tuesday | 11.30am - 12.00pm |
Introduction to Filtration Techniques
This training will focus on the safe use of vacuum pumps and understanding the set up and operation of vacuum filtration systems. Safety precautions and maintenance practice will be emphasized to ensure safe and reliable operation.
What equipment will this training cover?
• Operation of laminar flow hood
• Use of vacuum pump
• Use of filter capsule, disposable filter tops, autoclavable filter setup
Session trainers:
- Ms Serina Lee and Ms Helen Wong
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers who needs to use the filtration instrument.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 07 Oct 2025, Tuesday | 3.30pm-4.30pm |
Imaging System (Stereomicroscope and Compound Microscope)
This training covers the use of the microscopes available at SJINML which includes handling, maintenance and troubleshooting. The training aims to empower researchers to maximize the capabilities of the equipment and their use of microscopy in their research at SJINML.
What models will this training cover?
• Olympus stereomicroscope SZX16
• Leica stereomicroscope M205C
• Olympus compound microscope BX53
• Leica compound microscope DM2500
• Olympus invert microscope CKX53
Session trainers:
- Ms Helen Wong and Ms Lim Lay Peng
Who should go for this training?
- Registered researchers interested in operating the above microscopes in SJINML.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 08 Oct 2025, Wednesday | 9.30am-12.30pm |
| 12 Nov 2025, Wednesday | 9.30am-12.30pm |
| 03 Dec 2025, Wednesday | 9.30am-12.30pm |
Imaging System (Fluorescence Microscope)
This hands-on course focuses on the operation of fluorescence microscopes. The course includes practical training, sample preparation and imaging techniques specific for fluorescence microscopy.
What models will this training cover?
• Olympus fluorescence microscope IX73
• Olympus fluorescence microscope BX53
Session trainers:
- Ms Helen Wong and Ms Lim Lay Peng
Who should go for this training?
- Registered researchers interested in applying fluorescence microscopy for analysis of samples.
Session dates for June and July:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 08 Oct 2025, Wednesday | 1.30pm-3.30pm |
| 03 Dec 2025, Wednesday | 1.30pm-3.30pm |
Operation of Centrifuge
This centrifuge training course will instruct researchers on the correct and safe operation of the instrument. Participants will gain an understanding of the equipment's principles and learn about the types of experiments for which it can be utilized.
What equipment will this training cover?
- Standing Centrifuge
- Benchtop Centrifuge
- Benchtop Micro-centrifuge
*Requires use of weighing balance. Researchers should attend Operation of Basic Lab Equipment as a pre-requisite.
Session trainers:
- Ms Helen Wong and Ms Serina Lee
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers who need to separate suspended particles from a solution or to concentrate solutions to form a pellet at the bottom of the tube.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 06 Oct 2025, Monday | 1.00pm-2.30pm |
| 03 Nov 2025, Monday | 1.00pm-2.30pm |
| 01 Dec 2025, Monday | 1.00pm-2.30pm |
Introduction to Molecular Work
This course will introduce researchers to the molecular biology setup at SJINML. Researchers will be introduced to equipment that can measure DNA concentration, perform tissue homogenization, PCR and more.
What equipment will this training cover?
• Thermal Cyclers
• Bead Beater
• Waterbath and heating plate
• Nanodrop and Qubit
• PCR hood
• Gel electrophoresis
• Gel imaging system
• Microwave oven
*For use of autoclave, please attend Introduction to Steam Sterilization (BSL1 Work Only)
Session trainers:
- Ms Lim Lay Peng and Ms Serina Lee
Who should go for this training?
- New and current SJINML researchers interested in using instruments for molecular work
- Please inform your PI before registering for the training sessions
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 09 Oct 2025, Thursday | 9:30am - 12:00pm |
| 04 Dec 2025, Thursday | 9:30am - 12:00pm |
Operation of Spectrophotometer
Researchers will learn how to operate spectrophotometers, which are ideal for a variety of research applications, especially in determining the concentration of unknown colored samples. These instruments are effectively used for quantifying nucleic acids, analyzing nutrient samples, counting chlorophyll, and measuring microalgae cultures.
What equipment will this training cover?
• Use of Shimadzu Spectrophotometer Model UV-2600
Session trainers:
- Ms Lim Lay Peng and Ms Helen Wong
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers who needs to use the spectrophotometer to analyze their sample.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 09 Oct 2025, Thursday | 2.30pm-4.00pm |
| 07 Nov 2025, Friday | 2.30pm-4.00pm |
| 04 Dec 2025, Thursday | 2.30pm-4.00pm |
Operation of pH meter
This training covers techniques to accurately measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, an essential skill in various scientific applications. Participants learn how to calibrate the pH meter using standard buffer solutions, ensure proper electrode maintenance for consistent results, and interpret pH readings accurately. Additionally, the training covers troubleshooting common issues, understanding the impact of temperature on pH readings, and adhering to best practices for ensuring precise and reliable measurements in laboratory settings.
What equipment will this training cover?
- pH meter
Session trainers:
- Ms Serina Lee and Ms Helen Wong
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers interested in using a pH meter.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 06 Oct 2025, Monday | 2.30pm-3.30pm |
Operation of Cryogenic Equipment
This course will introduce researcher the operation of the freeze dryer and -80°C Deep Freezer. Researcher will be taught how to preserve biological materials and sensitive substances by the lyophilization process of the freeze dryer and rules on using the -80°C deep freezer for long-term storage of biological samples and other sensitive materials that requires ultra-low temperatures.
What equipment will this training cover?
- Freeze Dryer
- -80°C Deep Freezer
Session trainers:
- Ms Lim Lay Peng and Ms Helen Wong
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers interested in operating cryogenic equipment.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 13 Oct 2025, Monday | 9:30am - 10:30am |
| 01 Dec 2025, Monday | 9:30am - 10:30am |
Operation of Thermal Equipment
In this training course, researchers can learn how to use a furnace for annealing, sintering, tempering materials to modify their physical and mechanical properties, and testing the thermal properties and behavior of materials at high temperatures, including determining inorganic content. Additionally, the course will cover operating a vacuum oven for low-temperature drying of heat-sensitive materials, and guide researchers in conducting heat treatment, material testing, ashing, and drying experiments.
What equipment will this training cover?
- Furnace
- Vacuum Oven
Session trainers:
- Ms Lim Lay Peng and Ms Helen Wong
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers interested in operating the furnace and vacuum oven.
Session dates for Oct to Dec:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| 13 Oct 2025, Monday | 10.30am-12.00pm |
| 01 Dec 2025, Monday | 10.30am-12.00pm |
Operation of Evaporative Lab Equipment
This training course will teach researchers how to operate a SpeedVac to remove solvents from samples using centrifugal force, vacuum, and heat, aiding in sample concentration, such as post-HPLC analysis. Additionally, researchers will learn to use a Büchi rotary evaporator for efficient solvent removal and sample concentration, including positioning the rotating flask, utilizing the water bath, operating the vacuum system, and using the condenser to re-condense evaporated solvents, ensuring the protection of sensitive compounds.
What equipment will this training cover?
- Speedvac
- Buchi rotary evaporator
Session trainers:
- Ms Lim Lay Peng and Ms Helen Wong
Who should go for this training?
- Registered SJINML researchers interested in using evaporative equipment.
Session dates for June and July:
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| Please check with trainer |
