Scientific Officer

National Healthcare Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare research organization in Singapore is seeking a research scientist to develop pathogen-agnostic technologies and platforms for rapid therapeutic development during epidemics. The role involves establishing viral infection models, leading characterization studies, and preparing scientific documentation. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in relevant fields and have substantial experience in virology and high containment settings. Strong collaboration and communication skills are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-6 years’ experience (including PhD) in virology.
• Experience with organoid and air liquid interface models is advantageous.
• Ability to cope with tight timelines and respond during national emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Establish respiratory tissue air liquid interface and organoid viral infection models.
• Lead the immunological/virological characterization of tissue infection models.
• Prepare scientific papers and posters for publication and presentations.

Skills

Virology

Tissue culture

Flow cytometry

Confocal/fluorescent microscopy

Project management

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Ph.D in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases or equivalent

Tools

Virus and tissue culture techniques

Neutralization assays

Plaque assays

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and REsponse (PREPARE) is a national programme that was set up by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to support and strengthen Singapore’s key essential research capabilities, translational platforms, and expertise to develop tools, methods and products that can be tapped on to detect, respond to, and contain future infectious disease threats.

You will be involved in the establishment of the respiratory tissue platform as part of the PREPARE Laboratory Core in collaboration with partner laboratories located either at the Novena campus or LKC BSL3 at NTU. This co-op aims to develop pathogen-agnostic technologies and platforms to enable rapid therapeutic or vaccine development to enhance Singapore’s capabilities and access to vaccines during future epidemics. You will be responsible for experimental design, evaluation and documentation of the results and coordination with our collaborating partners.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC

1. Establishment of respiratory tissue air liquid interface and organoid viral infection models in collaboration with PREPARE collaborating laboratories.
2. Lead the immunological/virological characterization of tissue infection models within BSL3/BSL2 e.g. viral load, neutralization titre etc in support of PREPARE projects.
3. Work with the PREPARE Laboratory head to manage PREPARE projects and train/supervise attached staff.

GENERAL

1. Ensure safe execution of experiments and adherence to SOPs and all safety & ethics regulations/policies and procedures stipulated by the lab and institution.
2. Analyze experimental data and ensure proper documentation of results.
3. Prepare scientific papers and posters for publication and/or presentation at research & scientific conferences.
4. Perform other duties as directed by supervisors and HOD, including work areas not mentioned here.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

1. Ph.D in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum 4-6 years’ experience (including PhD) in virology with experience with techniques such as virus and tissue culture, neutralization assays, plaque assays etc.
2. Experience with organoid and air liquid interface models and techniques such as flow cytometry, confocal/fluorescent microscopy would be advantageous.
3. Willing to work in a high containment setting with high-risk pathogens and travel to the PREPARE BSL3 which is located at NTU LKC. Prior experience working in a high containment (BSL3) laboratory setting is advantageous.
4. Ability to lead a research project independently, able to cope with tight timelines and willing to respond out-of-office hours during national emergencies or due to exigencies of service.
5. Able to work well as a team and with partners from other PREPARE Cores & Co-ops, academic labs or government agencies.
6. Good oral and written communication skills.