Scientific Officer (Scientific Programmes)

Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA); Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) is seeking a scientifically skilled officer to support its laboratory services by performing routine diagnostic testing and complex molecular assays. The role emphasizes quality control, biosafety, and regulatory compliance to safeguard personnel and test integrity.

The successful candidate will handle equipment maintenance, reagent inventory, and data management, while contributing to outbreak investigations and method validation as needed.

Qualifications

• Recognized education in life sciences or equivalent.
• Tertiary education in medical/clinical laboratory science, Biotechnology, Life Science, Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, or related disciplines would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine diagnostic testing and process clinical specimens.
• Perform specialized assays including molecular diagnostics and cell culture; maintain QC procedures and workflows.
• Maintain records, report critical results, assist in method validation, and support outbreak investigations.

Skills

Organization skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Regulatory understanding

Attention to detail

Education

Life sciences education

Medical/clinical laboratory science degree (advantage)

Job description

[What the role is]

This role forms the operational backbone of laboratory services, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of diagnostic testing that directly impacts public health outcomes.

[What the role is]

This role forms the operational backbone of laboratory services, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of diagnostic testing that directly impacts public health outcomes.

The position requires technical expertise across diverse testing methodologies, from routine clinical assays to sophisticated molecular diagnostics and cell culture techniques, whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality control throughout all laboratory workflows.

The role encompasses critical resource stewardship, including proactive equipment maintenance, strategic inventory management, and adherence to stringent biosafety and regulatory standards that safeguard both laboratory personnel and the integrity of test results.

[What you will be working on]

• The scientific officer shall execute routine diagnostic testing, process clinical specimens, perform specialized assays including cell culture and molecular diagnostics, and maintain quality control procedures and laboratory workflows.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage reagent inventory, ensure supply chain continuity, follow standard operating procedures, and maintain biosafety protocols for regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, update databases, report critical results promptly, participate in training programmes, assist in method validation, and support outbreak investigations.

[What we are looking for]

• Recognized education in life sciences or equivalent
• Tertiary education in medical/clinical laboratory science, Biotechnology, Life Science, Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, or related disciplines would be an advantage.
• 5 - 15 years working experience in molecular diagnosis laboratory, with technical, supervisory and management experience.
• 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
• Fresh graduates are welcome to apply.