Scientist (Chemical Research)

SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) invites applications for a Scientist/Senior Scientist (Chemical Research) within the National Centre for Food Science (NCFS). The role drives applied chemical research and advances analytical capabilities to safeguard Singapore's food supply.

Successful candidates will conduct hypothesis-driven research, develop robust analytical methods, and contribute to policy-relevant outputs while collaborating across teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Chemistry, Food Science, or related discipline.
• At least 2 years of relevant research experience with publications.
• Hands-on experience in analytical chemistry and operation of advanced instrumentation (e.g., MS, chromatography).
• Experience in method development and validation in complex matrices like food.
• Strong capability to design and run research projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Propose and conduct applied chemical research to support food safety operations, risk assessment, and policy development.
• Identify problem statements, formulate research hypotheses, and develop science- and technology-driven solutions.
• Perform laboratory-based analytical work to ensure high-quality outputs and contribute to capability development.
• Develop, optimise, and validate analytical methodologies for emerging food safety challenges.
• Advance and operationalise non-targeted analysis (NTA) platforms for early detection of chemical hazards in food.
• Plan and execute screening of food samples to identify known, unknown, and emerging foodborne chemical risks.
• Translate research outcomes into outputs including scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations for diverse stakeholders.
• Maintain proper documentation of data and project records per quality and audit requirements.
• Support administrative and operational functions including procurement and research agreements.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Mass spectrometry

Chromatography

Non-targeted analysis

Python/R programming

Scientific publications

Project independence

Data analytics/cheminformatics

Communication skills

Lab automation

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemistry or Food Science

Tools

Mass spectrometry instruments

Chromatography systems

Job description

Purpose of Job

The Scientist / Senior Scientist (Chemical Research) will be part of the Research and Exposure Science Department under the National Centre for Food Science (NCFS), Singapore Food Agency (SFA). The role focuses on driving applied chemical research and developing advanced analytical capabilities to support SFA's mission of ensuring a safe and secure food supply for Singapore.

Duties

• Propose and conduct applied chemical research to support food safety operations, risk assessment, and policy development
• Identify problem statements, formulate research hypotheses, and develop science- and technology-driven solutions
• Perform laboratory-based analytical work to ensure high-quality outputs and contribute to capability development
• Develop, optimise, and validate analytical methodologies to address emerging food safety challenges
• Advance and operationalise non-targeted analysis (NTA) platforms for early detection of chemical hazards in food
• Plan and execute screening of food samples to identify known, unknown, and emerging foodborne chemical risks
• Translate research outcomes into impactful outputs, including scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations for diverse stakeholders (e.g. scientific community, policymakers)
• Maintain proper documentation of experimental data, analyses, and project records in accordance with quality and audit requirements
• Support administrative and operational functions, including procurement, project coordination, and preparation of research agreements

Requirements

• Postgraduate degree (MSc or preferably PhD) in Chemistry, Food Science, or a related discipline
• At least 2 years of relevant research experience, with a strong track record of scientific publications (for Scientist level; higher expectations for Senior Scientist)
• Hands-on experience in analytical chemistry, including operation of advanced instrumentation (e.g. mass spectrometry, chromatography systems)
• Experience in method development and validation, preferably in complex matrices such as food
• Strong capability in designing and executing research projects independently
• Knowledge or experience in non-targeted analysis (NTA), data analytics, or cheminformatics will be an advantage
• Basic programming skills (e.g. Python, R) are desirable
• Highly motivated, self-driven, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Work Location

National Centre for Food Science (NCFS), Singapore

7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919