Senior Assistant Director/ Assistant Director (Epidemiology)

Communicable Diseases Agency; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health authority in Singapore seeks a leader in epidemiology to oversee a team conducting complex epidemiological studies. The ideal candidate has a doctoral degree and substantial experience in public health, with strong analytical and communication skills. Responsibilities include guiding biostatistical analyses, developing health strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders. This role offers a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to impact public health policies.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in public health, biostatistics, or epidemiology.
• Minimum 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in advanced epidemiologic studies and biostatistical methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and conduct of infectious disease epidemiologic studies.
• Guide team in biostatistical analyses during outbreaks.
• Develop frameworks for national health guidance.

Skills

Leadership in epidemiology

Biostatistical analysis

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Doctoral degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health or related field

Job description

What the role is:

You will provide leadership and supervision to the team of epidemiologists in the design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological studies, to deliver rigorous, timely and credible data‑backed insights which support evidence‑based policy making and decision as well as public health interventions.

You will be working in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment that will require adaptability, pro‑activeness and the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.

What you will be working on:

The role provides strategic and scientific leadership for the design, conduct, and interpretation of infectious disease epidemiologic studies, including economic evaluation. This involves providing advanced epidemiological and analytical inputs for the design, implementation, and/or evaluation of new and existing disease control programmes, and working with stakeholders to craft evidence‑informed recommendations for policy formulation and public health operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Guiding the team in conducting above‑baseline biostatistical analyses of communicable disease outbreaks and providing epidemiological inputs to disease monitoring and evaluation programmes.
• During outbreaks and epidemics, leading the conduct of rapid analyses to determine disease dynamics and pathogen characteristics, including transmissibility and virulence as well as leading analyses to determine the likely effectiveness of pharmaceutical and non‑pharmaceutical countermeasures.
• Guiding the development of analytic frameworks to inform national guidance, outbreak response strategies, and long‑term disease control policies and programmes.
• Managing day‑to‑day operations of the team. This includes overseeing performance management and fostering the professional development of team members. You will serve as a senior mentor and advisor to the team in fostering scientific rigour, methodological coherence, and professional development.
• Guiding the drafting of reports and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Partnering with stakeholders to bridge evidence and policy through evidence formulation and synthesis.

What we are looking for:

• A recognised tertiary education in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health or a related field. Doctoral degree preferred.
• Technical proficiency in biostatistics.
• At least 5 years in the field of public health, biostatistics, or epidemiology.
• At least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in conducting advanced epidemiologic studies and applying biostatistical methods in data analysis.
• Recognised expertise in infectious disease epidemiology, including transmission dynamics, vaccine impact assessment, outbreak investigation frameworks, or economic evaluation.
• Track record of publications in scientific peer‑reviewed journals on epidemiologic studies or other relevant studies.
• Strong communication, writing and presentation skills with demonstrable ability to communicate complex epidemiologic evidence clearly to diverse audiences, including policy makers, healthcare providers, and the public.
• Analytical, detail‑oriented, and responsible.
• Possess good time/priority management, resilient and flexible under the pressure.
• Excellent organization and problem‑solving skills with the ability to respond effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Good interpersonal and team management skills, and strong stakeholder management experience.

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.

About Communicable Diseases Agency

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) was established in 2025 as a statutory board under Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) to serve as the central authority for public health policymaking to manage and control the threat of communicable diseases. This is aimed at strengthening Singapore's public health capabilities built during the COVID-19 response to ensure a unified command and coordinated approach across all situations, from routine disease control to future outbreaks. CDA safeguards the nation from communicable diseases through disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, vaccination programs, public education, and global health collaboration. Beyond domestic activities, the CDA aims to expand Singapore’s global outreach and foster collaboration with international partners.