Scientist (Virology)

Singapore Food Agency; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food safety organization is seeking a Scientist for the Virology team in Singapore. The role involves conducting food safety testing, developing methods in virology and microbiology, and analyzing data for publications. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and have knowledge of testing techniques. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment are essential. The position is located at the National Centre for Food Science, Singapore.

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Biological Science, Molecular Biology, Virology or Microbiology.
• Knowledge in testing and identification of foodborne pathogens.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct food safety testing and method development.
• Implement laboratory quality assurance programmes.
• Analyse results and publish scientific findings.

Skills

Molecular Biology techniques

Virology knowledge

Microbiology techniques

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Education

BSc, MSc or PhD in Biological Science

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Job description

What the role is

The mission of SFA is to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore.

The National Centre for Food Science (NCFS) supports SFA’s vision of ensuring safe food for all by being a national reference laboratory on food science, conducting food safety monitoring to generate scientific data for risk assessment, enforcing food regulations to protect consumer health and ensuring food safety in partnership with stakeholders across the entire food and supply chain to address emerging food safety and security concerns. NCFS also builds up food safety science infrastructure & competencies for new and emerging foodborne hazards.

The officer will be a Scientist of Virology team under the Food Science Rapid Response Department (FSRRD) to conduct food safety testing and analysis, and research work on virology at the NCFS. Based on the operational needs of the department, the officer may also perform cross-functional roles or deploy to other teams/department to broaden the knowledge and skillsets in related scopes to be trained for technically competency and operational readiness to support any potential emerging threat or response operations.

What you will be working on

The officer is responsible for the following:

• Conduct food safety testing and method development in areas of Virology and/or Microbiology with effective use of resources.
• Provide solutions and perform tasks that strengthen laboratory productivity.
• Conduct literature search for preparation of technical papers and provide updated scientific knowledge to support operations, policy making, and guideline development for both the surveillance and testing of Virology.
• Analyse results from study project and showcase the scientific achievements through scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals and delivery of presentation on specialised areas in national and international platforms.
• Implement laboratory quality assurance programmes, including conduct internal quality control testing and participate in international proficiency testing to ensure that the laboratory practices are in full compliances with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 quality standard.
• Propose and execute procurement plan of scientific equipment and laboratory supplies based on the laboratory operation needs, ensuring full compliance with financial rules and regulations.
• Carry out related duties and roles as assigned by supervisor to maximize laboratory efficiency.

What we are looking for

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Biological Science, Molecular Biology, Virology, Microbiology or other relevant disciplines.
• Possess knowledge in Molecular Biology, Virology, Microbiology techniques for the testing and identification of foodborne pathogens.
• Must have a positive attitude and a team player.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results within deadline.
• Possess the ownership, aptitude, and agility to excel on any assigned project/task.
• Must be meticulous, proactive inclination to problem-solving and able to contribute beyond the technical training provided.
• Possess knowledge in quality assurance program or ISO 17025:2017 but not a must.
• Possess critical thinking and good writing skills to deliver project proposal plan, SOP, scientific report, and publication.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computer literacy, with good knowledge or interest in statistical and data analytics software.

Work Location: National Centre for Food Science, Techquest, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919.

About Singapore Food Agency

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is a new Statutory Board formed under the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to oversee food safety and security. The SFA will serve as the single point of contact for public feedback on food-related issues, and strengthen management of foodborne disease outbreaks to protect public health. The SFA will also facilitate more business-friendly regulations with oversight of all food safety policies and consolidation of food laboratory capabilities to deepen competencies in food diagnostics, and research and development in food safety.