Senior Forensic Scientist (Optics), Forensics COE

HTX (Home Team Science & Technology Agency); Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

HTX invites a Senior Forensic Scientist (Optics) to join the Forensics Centre of Expertise. The role drives cutting‑edge research in optics, photonics, imaging and spectroscopy, translating concepts into deployable forensic capabilities.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee method development, validation, and field trials, and ensure quality, safety and ethical research practices across projects. A two‑year contract with potential for tenure is offered.

Qualifications

• Requires tertiary qualification in physics, applied physics, engineering, or related discipline.
• Strong theoretical understanding of optical physics and capability to design/customise optical/spectroscopic systems.
• Hands-on experience with optics and analytical instrumentation (FT-IR, Raman, UV-vis, microscopy).

Responsibilities

• Lead horizon scanning to identify new optical technologies and develop capabilities to support HTX and allied agencies.
• Build expertise in forensic optics, photonics, imaging and spectroscopy across domains.
• Spearhead research from concept to delivery including method development, validation and field trials.
• Support readiness assessment and transition of R&D outputs to operational deployment.
• Collaborate with national and international stakeholders; mentor junior scientists and ensure data integrity and ethics.

Skills

Optics

Imaging

Spectroscopy

Research & Development

Technical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Physics / Engineering degree or related

Tools

Zemax

Code V

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 (Optics) to join the HTX Forensics CoE. The jobholder will champion and actively participate in cutting-edge research in optics, photonics, imaging, and spectroscopy and their applications in forensics.

Their responsibilities encompass design, conceptualisation, development and implementation of new methodologies and systems that transcend conventional frameworks and workflows in forensic science.

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

The scope of work includes the following:

• Conduct horizon scanning to identify novel and applicable technologies/solutions and develop game-changing or new capabilities (e.g. sensor development) to enhance and support Home Team Departments and allied agencies.
• Contribute to technical road-mapping and build deep expertise in forensic science, technologies and analytical instrumentation within and across domains, emerging as a subject-matter expert in forensic physics & engineering, particularly in photonics, optical spectroscopy, and imaging.
• Independently spearhead research initiatives from concept to delivery, including method development, validation, field trials, performance evaluation, troubleshooting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Support technology readiness assessment and transition of R&D outputs into operational deployment.
• Support integration of analytical platforms with digital systems, databases, and operational dashboards where applicable.
• Forge collaborations with both national and international stakeholders, contributing to the advancement of HTX's interests, and foster a robust network with pivotal stakeholders in Home Team Departments, as well as within HTX.
• Cultivate partnerships with forensic counterparts, academia, industry peers, vendors, and other research partners and solution providers on both local and global scales, driving the innovation of fresh methodologies, practices or products.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior scientists or project team members to facilitate collective progress.
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, data integrity, cybersecurity, and ethical research practices in all development activities.

What We Are Looking For

• Possesses a tertiary qualification in physics, applied physics, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Relevant industry or research experience in optics, photonics, imaging and/or spectroscopy, with a strong theoretical understanding of optical physics, and ability to contribute to the design and customisation of optical/spectroscopic systems.
• Hands-on experience in optics and related analytical instrumentation (e.g. FT-IR, Raman, UV-vis spectroscopy, microscopy), going beyond basic operations of equipment and their application in analytical work, and preferably with knowledge in the design, assembly, and characterisation of optical systems.
• Experience with optical design software (e.g. Zemax, Code V), data science and analytics, AI/ML methods, statistical analysis, coding and programming languages (e.g. R, Python, Matlab) applied to physical sciences will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of research methodology, and practical experience in execution of scientific research projects in academia and/or industry.
• Able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, manage multiple concurrent technical workstreams, and address operational exigencies beyond conventional office hours.
• 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.