Scientist, Biotransformation and Engineering

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research (SIFBI) invites a senior scientist to lead our Circular Bioeconomy program in Singapore. You will drive lab-scale to translational research on waste valorization and sustainable bioprocessing, bridging lab results with real-world deployment.

You will publish results, protect IP, and mentor researchers while championing safety and regulatory standards in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related field.
• Strong publication record or portfolio of technical reports.
• Experience in mission-oriented R&D environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects on waste-to-value pathways, focusing on enzymatic and fermentation processes.
• Translate hypotheses into experimental designs and analyze high-dimensional data.
• Draft publications, technology disclosures and patent filings.
• Mentor Research Officers and ensure lab safety and compliance.

Skills

Critical thinking

Data interpretation

Experiment design

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Food Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related field

Tools

Microbial isolation

Enzymatic processing

Submerged fermentation

Solid state fermentation

Job description

Introduction

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to redefining Singapore’s food and environmental future. The Circular Bioeconomy team at SIFBI is at the forefront of waste valorisation and sustainable bioprocessing. We are looking for a high-calibre scientist to help us bridge the gap between lab-scale innovation and real-world sustainability solutions, supporting Singapore’s aims of achieving Zero Waste, Food Security and Net Zero emissions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Research Excellence: Design and execute complex R&D projects focusing on waste-to-value pathways, with focus on enzymatic and fermentation processes.
• Drive Innovation: Translate scientific hypotheses into experimental designs, evaluate high-dimensional data, and deliver actionable insights to stakeholders and industry partners.
• Publication & IP Strategy: Lead the drafting of high-impact publications, technology disclosures, and patent filings.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Supervise and develop Research Officers, ensuring technical precision in laboratory execution while fostering a culture of scientific curiosity.
• Safety & Compliance: Serve as a champion for HSEP (Health, Safety and Environmental Protection) standards, ensuring all lab operations exceed institutional safety requirements.

Job Requirements

• Apply rigorous critical thinking to experimental design and data interpretation. Troubleshoot experimental deviations and iteratively refine protocols based on data-driven insights.
• Design lab-scale experiments with a focus on commercial viability, maintaining a strong awareness of bioprocess scalability and techno-economic constraints.
• Maintain experimental data, notes, information and literature in a highly organised manner.
• Distil complex scientific data into clear presentations for reporting officer and project team.
• Track record of meeting project milestones on time in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Proven experience with microbial isolation, enzymatic processing, submerged fermentation, and/or solid state fermentation.
• Specialised knowledge in Circular Bioeconomy focus areas such as waste valorization and sustainable bioprocessing.
• The ideal candidate is self-motivated and passionate about science and sustainability

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
• A strong publication record or portfolio of technical reports in relevant fields.
• Prior experience in a mission-oriented R&D environment is highly advantageous.