Principal/Snr Analyst/Analyst (Wastewater-based Epidemiology Branch) - Contract

National Environment Agency; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environmental Health Institute (EHI) at NEA is seeking a motivated analyst to join Singapore's wastewater-based surveillance programme. You will contribute to laboratory analytics and applied research to strengthen capabilities and support public health decisions.

You will help develop and validate surveillance approaches, including Next-Generation Sequencing workflows, and translate wastewater signals into actionable public health insights for national monitoring.

Qualifications

• Degree or postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, or related disciplines.
• Strong foundation in molecular diagnostics techniques such as qRT-PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), including library preparation, sequencing workflows, and associated data analysis and reporting, quality control.
• Interest in developing new surveillance capabilities, including designing novel assays, evaluating emerging methodologies, and translating research ideas into applied public health tools.
• Experience with data analysis using open-source programming languages and bioinformatics preferred.
• Willingness to work after office hours and weekends if required.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen research and operational capabilities of wastewater surveillance through rigorous laboratory analytics and applied research.
• Develop and validate novel surveillance approaches, including applied Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows.
• Translate wastewater signals into actionable public health insights.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Independent worker

Stakeholder collaboration

Willingness to work after hours

Education

Degree or postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, or related disciplines

Tools

qRT-PCR

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

library preparation

sequencing workflows

data analysis

quality control

Job description

What the role is:

The Environmental Health Institute (EHI) seeks a motivated and curious analyst to join our wastewater-based surveillance programme. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven to be a valuable public health tool, and we are exploring emerging omics technologies and data-driven approaches to develop the next generation of Singapore’s public health surveillance capabilities.

What you will be working on:

In this role, you will play a key role in strengthening both research and operational capabilities of our wastewater surveillance programme through rigorous laboratory analytics and applied research. You will have opportunities to develop and validate novel surveillance approaches, including applied Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, to monitor endemic and emerging pathogens and translate wastewater signals into actionable public health insights.

What we are looking for:

• Degree or postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, or related disciplines, with preferably 3 years of working experience in laboratory testing or research
• Strong foundation in molecular diagnostics techniques such as qRT-PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), including library preparation, sequencing workflows, and associated data analysis and reporting, quality control
• A genuine interest in developing new surveillance capabilities, including designing novel assays, evaluating emerging methodologies, and translating research ideas into applied public health tools
• Experience with data analysis using open-source programming languages and bioinformatics is preferred
• Good understanding of biosafety concepts and hands-on experience in BSL2 settings, with willingness to work in BSL3 is preferred
• Excellent analytical mind and systematic in planning
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced environment and appreciate the requirements of strict timelines and urgent work demands
• Able to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including research partners and public health agencies
• Willing to work after office hours and weekends if required

About National Environment Agency

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is the leading public organisation responsible for ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for Singapore. Its key roles are to improve and sustain a clean environment, promote sustainability and resource efficiency, maintain high public health standards, provide timely and reliable meteorological information, and encourage a vibrant hawker culture. NEA works closely with its partners and the community to develop and spearhead environmental and public health initiatives and programmes. It is committed to motivating every individual to care for the environment as a way of life, in order to build a liveable and sustainable Singapore for present and future generations.For more information, visit www.nea.gov.sg