Senior Forensic Scientist (Chemistry), Forensics COE

HTX (Home Team Science & Technology Agency); Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HTX (Home Team Science & Technology Agency) is seeking a Senior Forensic Scientist to join the Forensics Centre of Expertise. The role focuses on development, validation, and deployment of automated analytical testing solutions and on-site environmental monitoring systems to enhance national safety.

You will work across multidisciplinary teams to translate operational needs into robust forensic capabilities while upholding quality, safety, and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in chemistry or analytical/environmental science.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation or environmental monitoring technologies is advantageous.
• Knowledge of drug detection technologies or chemical sensing is beneficial.
• Experience in applied R&D and automation of scientific workflows.
• Familiar with method validation principles, performance characterisation, and quality frameworks.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage multiple workstreams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills.
• Good written and verbal communication; able to explain technical concepts.
• Two-year contract with potential for permanent tenure based on performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy automated analytical testing solutions and field-deployable monitoring systems.
• Design, evaluate, and integrate sensing/analytical technologies for real-time environmental detection.
• Support drug detection projects including new chemistries and rapid testing platforms.
• Develop, validate, and optimize automated workflows for forensic applications.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and partners to translate requirements into solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation, validation reports, and guidelines for judicial defensibility.

Skills

Analytical instrumentation

Drug detection technologies

R&D experience

Method validation

Technical writing

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Chemistry or analytical/environmental science

Tools

MS/GC/LC systems

Job description

What The Role Is

The Forensics Centre of Expertise (CoE) in HTX plays a critical role in strengthening Singapore’s Home Team forensic capabilities through science, technology, and innovation. Leading a global shift in forensic science, the CoE’s mission extends beyond solving crimes by harnessing innovative technologies to revolutionise investigations, enhance public safety, and keep Singapore ahead of an evolving threat landscape.

We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Senior Forensic Scientist to join the HTX Forensics CoE. The jobholder will contribute to the development, validation, and deployment of automated analytical testing solutions, as well as systems for on-site, automated, continuous environmental monitoring. The candidate will also support development in drug detection solutions and related forensic innovation projects. The ideal candidate is hands‑on, scientifically grounded, and comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams to translate operational needs into robust, deployable forensic capabilities.

What You Will Be Working On

• Contribute to capability development projects involving automated analytical workflows, high‑throughput testing systems, and field‑deployable analytical solutions.
• Design, evaluate, and integrate sensing/analytical technologies for real‑time or near real‑time detection and monitoring of environmental analytes.
• Support projects related to drug detection, including new detection chemistries, rapid testing platforms, and next‑generation sensing technologies.
• Develop, optimise, and validate automated testing workflows for forensic and operational applications, including method development and system performance studies.
• Support integration of analytical platforms with digital systems, databases, and operational dashboards where applicable.
• Conduct laboratory and field trials, involving data collection, system verification, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting of analytical platforms.
• Develop technical documentation, validation reports, and operational guidelines to support downstream operationalisation and judicial defensibility where needed.
• Support technology readiness assessment and transition of R&D outputs into operational deployment.
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, data integrity, cybersecurity, and ethical research practices in all development activities.
• Collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and operational partners to translate requirements into integrated technical solutions.
• Engage with vendors, research partners, and solution providers on specific technical modules, prototype development, or pilot deployments.
• Monitor emerging technologies, materials, and analytical approaches relevant to forensic sensing, drug detection, and environmental monitoring, and assess their operational relevance.
• Contribute to technical road‑mapping and prioritisation of forensic sensing and automation capabilities.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior scientists or project team members where required.

What We Are Looking For

• Possesses a tertiary qualification in chemistry, analytical sciences, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation (e.g. MS, GC/LC systems, spectroscopic sensors), automated sample‑handling systems, or environmental monitoring technologies is an advantage.
• Knowledge or experience in drug detection technologies, chemical sensing, or targeted and non‑targeted analyte detection workflows is beneficial.
• Preferably has experience in applied R&D, analytical method development, automation of scientific workflows, and/or field deployable sensing systems.
• Familiarity with method validation principles, performance characterisation, and quality frameworks relevant to forensic or regulated environments is an advantage.
• Able to work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment and manage multiple concurrent technical workstreams.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and technical writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• All new hires are appointed on a two‑year contract in the first instance and will be assessed and considered for permanent tenure over time, based on performance. As part of the shortlisting process for this role, you may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment. All applicants will be updated on the status of their applications within 4 weeks upon closing of the advertisement.