Scientist / Junior Scientist (Extraction & Assay Validation)

FORTE BIOTECH PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Singapore is seeking a Scientist specializing in molecular diagnostics, focusing on DNA/RNA extraction and assay validation. The successful candidate will develop protocols for rapid diagnostics in aquaculture, with emphasis on qPCR and LAMP techniques. The position offers competitive compensation, medical benefits, and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Paid leave

Performance-linked incentives

Learning budget

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR.
• Familiarity with LAMP is advantageous.
• Strong documentation skills and working knowledge of assay evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise DNA/RNA extraction protocols.
• Convert outsourced primer sets into working assays.
• Propose reagent and workflow improvements.
• Align assay parameters with RAPID device settings.
• Prepare ISO-aligned documentation.
• Train operations/field teams and support pilot deployments.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

qPCR

SOP documentation

Basic statistics

Education

Degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Python

Job description

Location: Singapore
Department: R&D / Diagnostics
Employment Type: Full‑time
Reports To: Head of R&D (or delegate)

Company Overview

Forte Biotech develops field‑deployable molecular diagnostics for aquaculture. Our RAPID platform uses LAMP/qPCR chemistry to detect prawn pathogens (e.g., WSSV, EHP, AHPND) on‑site within an hour, enabling proactive farm decisions across Southeast Asia.

Role Purpose

Own upstream nucleic‑acid extraction and downstream assay validation to deliver robust, room‑temperature‑friendly workflows that perform reliably on real farm matrices (shrimp tissue, faeces, pond water). Translate outsourced primer designs into validated assays integrated with RAPID devices (RAPID / RAPID Plus / RAPID Max / RAPID Pro).

Key Responsibilities

A. Nucleic‑Acid Extraction

• Develop and optimise DNA/RNA extraction protocols across matrices with a target ≤60‑minute end‑to‑end workflow.
• Mitigate matrix inhibition (e.g., magnetic‑bead clean‑ups, spin‑column variants, buffer optimisation).
• Generate SOPs, batch records, QC checklists; maintain controlled revisions for tech transfer.

B. Assay Validation (LAMP/qPCR)

• Convert outsourced primer sets into working assays: screen conditions, define positivity thresholds, and execute LoD, specificity, repeatability, and cross‑reactivity studies.
• Run spike‑and‑recovery and field‑sample studies on multiple matrices; benchmark vs qPCR where applicable.
• Deliver clear validation reports with plots/tables and go/no‑go criteria.

C. Productisation & Stability

• Propose reagent and workflow improvements (e.g., lyophilisation feasibility, buffer stabilisers, room‑temperature storage).
• Support accelerated/real‑time stability studies; help define shelf‑life and storage labels.
• Contribute to BOM and manufacturing work instructions.

D. Device–Chemistry Integration

• Align assay parameters with RAPID device settings (heater/reader profiles, signal thresholds) for consistent field readouts.
• Provide inputs for user interpretation (positive/negative/invalid) and troubleshooting trees.

E. Quality, Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain high‑quality ELN entries and data integrity; prepare ISO‑aligned documentation.
• Assist with incoming QC for key reagents and with batch release criteria.

F. Cross‑Functional Support

• Train operations/field teams; support pilot deployments with partners (hatcheries, feed mills, labs).
• Investigate customer escalations; convert findings into protocol updates.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related field (Master’s preferred for Scientist level).
• Hands‑on experience with DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR; familiarity with LAMP is advantageous.
• Strong documentation skills (SOPs/ELN) and working knowledge of basic statistics for assay evaluation.

Experience Bands

Junior Scientist

• 0–2 years relevant industry/academic experience.
• Demonstrated lab competence; ready to learn LAMP specifics quickly.

Scientist

• 3–5+ years relevant experience in diagnostics or molecular assay development.
• Proven record of optimisation/validation in inhibitor‑rich samples and contribution to productisation or stability studies.

Nice‑to‑Have

• Experience with magnetic‑bead extraction, inhibitor‑rich matrices, or lyophilised reagent systems.
• Exposure to point‑of‑care diagnostics or veterinary/aquaculture samples.
• Basic scripting for data tidying (Excel/Python/R) and familiarity with DoE.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (Junior Scientist).
• Medical benefits, paid leave, and performance‑linked incentives.
• Learning budget and opportunities to publish/present where appropriate.

Equal Opportunity: Forte Biotech is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or age.