Scientific Officer/Assistant Director (Scientific Programmes)

sggovterp; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

sggovterp is seeking a senior scientific officer to lead surveillance and outbreak investigations within a public health research setting. You will drive strategic initiatives while hands-on developing diagnostics and refining lab methods.

You will supervise staff, mentor scientists, and coordinate cross-disciplinary projects across institutions. Strong regulatory knowledge and exceptional communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Recognized education in life sciences or equivalent.
• Ph.D. in Microbiology/Life Sciences/Infectious Diseases or MD/MBBS would be an advantage.
• 5+ years in Molecular Biology/Clinical Diagnosis/Infectious Diseases.
• Strong understanding of local regulatory requirements.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Proactive and resilient attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead surveillance projects and conduct outbreak investigations.
• Establish research priorities and develop novel diagnostic assays.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and optimise laboratory procedures.
• Supervise scientific staff, mentor juniors, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with external institutions and conduct training programs.
• Publish findings, present at conferences, provide expert consultation, and help secure funding.

Skills

Organization

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Written and oral communication

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Stakeholder collaboration

Proactive and resilient attitude

Regulatory awareness

Education

PhD in Microbiology or Life Sciences or Infectious Diseases

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (advantage)

Job description

What the role is

The role encompasses comprehensive scientific leadership within a research and public health environment, combining strategic oversight with hands-on innovation.

This position requires driving critical surveillance initiatives and outbreak response efforts whilst simultaneously advancing the field through the development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and optimised laboratory methodologies.

The role demands strong leadership capabilities to guide scientific teams, foster professional development of junior staff, and coordinate complex multidisciplinary projects that span institutional boundaries.

What you will be working on

The scientific officer shall lead surveillance projects, conduct outbreak investigations, establish research priorities, develop novel diagnostic assays, evaluate emerging technologies, and optimise laboratory procedures.

Supervise scientific staff, mentor junior scientists, lead multidisciplinary project teams, collaborate with external institutions, and conduct training programmes.

Publish research findings, present at conferences, provide expert consultation, and secure research funding to support ongoing projects.

What we are looking for

• Recognized education in life sciences or equivalent
• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases /equivalent or Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, would be an advantage.
• More than 5 years' experience in Molecular Biology / Clinical Diagnosis / Infectious Disease related work.
• Good understanding of local regulatory requirements
• Excellent organization skills and attention to details
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Committed to their work with a proactive and resilient attitude

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.