Senior Scientific Officer (Applied Pathogen Genomics, Research)

The CDA is a new government agency established by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to oversee Singapore’s communicable disease preparedness, prevention and control, surveillance, risk assessment and outbreak response. The role involves planning and executing the setup of the CDA, consolidating and building on public health functions under MOH, the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, and the Health Promotion Board.

Your responsibilities include leading and conducting laboratory and/or epidemiology-based research in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), reviewing existing publications, independently designing, planning and supervising experiments/projects.

Providing scientific expertise, developing new methods for AMR research, analyzing data, and preparing presentations and publications are key components of this role, which requires managing multiple priorities and stakeholders in a dynamic environment.

What you will be working on

AMR is a critical global public health threat. Your work includes overseeing a study on AMR gene transmission in Singapore, analyzing genomic data to identify transmission pathways, and investigating the mechanisms of AMR spread in hospitals.

Job responsibilities

• Oversee the conduct of whole genome sequencing and analysis projects.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise to develop experimental designs, protocols, and analysis workflows.
• Prepare proposals for relevant grant funding applications.
• Foster collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners.
• Adhere to hospital and laboratory policies and directives.
• Comply with safety regulations and infection control policies; promote a collegial working environment.
• Any other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator.

What we are looking for

• Minimum tertiary qualifications, preferably MSc in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, or related fields.
• Experience in computational analysis is advantageous.
• Experience in infectious disease research is advantageous.
• Prior experience in publishing research findings is advantageous.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Critical thinking skills and willingness to learn.

As part of the shortlisting process, candidates may need to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.