Principal Research Officer

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental body focused on public health in Singapore is seeking an experienced Research Scientist to lead research on environmental risk factors of pathogens. The successful candidate will manage a dynamic team, oversee research programs, and collaborate with international partners. Requirements include a relevant post-graduate degree, leadership experience, and knowledge in biosafety and environmental microbiology.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in research.
• Experience in leading and managing projects.
• Work experience in a high containment (BSL-3) facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the development of research on environmental risk factors of pathogens.
• Manage research resources and develop preparedness plans.
• Publish findings in scientific journals and present at major scientific meetings.

Skills

Project management

Molecular microbiology

Environmental microbiology

Biosafety

Trans-disciplinary thinking

Clinical research knowledge

Stakeholder management

System thinking

Education

Relevant post-graduate degree in microbiology or related discipline

Job description

Pathogens evolve and can cause outbreaks, as played out by the current COVID-19 pandemic. A key challenge in public health management is to be proactive in disease surveillance and detection, and to keep up to speed with evolving pathogens. We are seeking an experienced, self-driven and committed Research Scientist to lead and oversee the strategic development of research on environmental risk factors of pathogens found in the environment and to develop relevant preparedness programmes.

The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary environment, where his/her research is translated into evidence-based public health programmes and policies. You will be expected to lead a dynamic team that works closely with a network of local and international collaborators to shape the field-to-laboratory preparedness and response programme. You are expected to manage research resources, develop preparedness plans, publish findings in scientific journals, and present at major scientific meetings. The role will provide you with excellent opportunities to demonstrate your leadership and interpersonal skills.

Requirements

• Relevant post-graduate degree in microbiology, environmental microbiology or related discipline, with at least an additional 5 years of experience in research
• Experience in leading and managing projects
• Experience in core areas relevant to dangerous pathogens research, in particular, biosafety, molecular microbiology and environmental microbiology.
• Work experience in a high containment (BSL-3) facility and in environmental sampling is preferred
• Good knowledge of clinical research and statistics
• Have good knowledge from multiple disciplines including toxicology, indoor air quality and stakeholder (e.g. industry) management
• Capacity for system thinking and inclination for trans-disciplinary science
• Strong interest and strategic thinking in operational research for public health
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills