Senior Forensic Scientist (Pharmacology), Forensics COE

HTX (Home Team Science & Technology Agency); Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HTX's Forensics Centre of Expertise seeks a Senior Forensic Scientist in Pharmacology to lead research shaping how Singapore detects and responds to drug harms. You will design and validate new methodologies, mentor junior researchers, and collaborate with partners to expand capabilities while upholding safety and ethical standards.

This is a role within HTX’s public-safety science ecosystem, aligned with national security objectives.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree in biomedical science or related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant academic, industry or forensic experience.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and practical experience in designing and executing scientific research projects.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture and cell-based assays.
• Familiarity with quality management frameworks such as GLP or ISO17025 is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging technologies and translate them into new game-changing forensic capabilities.
• Design, develop and validate new forensic methods and capabilities to address operational needs.
• Oversee and manage projects end-to-end from conceptualisation through implementation, including budgets and timelines.
• Develop competencies and expertise as a subject matter expert in forensic science and keep pace with advances in technology.
• Collaborate with forensic counterparts, industry partners, and academic institutions locally and internationally to develop innovative methodologies.
• Cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders across the Home Team and HTX.
• Be responsible for ethical submissions, including institutional review board applications.
• Provide mentorship for junior researchers.
• Handle administrative and managerial tasks for day-to-day laboratory operations, procurement, equipment maintenance and inventory management.
• Uphold quality assurance and workplace safety standards in the lab.
• Participate in agency activities such as trials and training exercises.

Skills

Research design

Cell culture

Ligand binding assays

Cell-based assays

Critical thinking

Education

MSc or PhD in biomedical science

Job description

What The Role Is

HTX is Singapore's Science and Technology agency that brings together diverse scientific and engineering capabilities to develop transformative, operationally ready solutions for public safety. As a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs, HTX works at the forefront of science and technology to empower the Home Team with cutting-edge capabilities. Guided by our mission to amplify, augment and accelerate the Home Team's advantage, we are committed to keeping Singapore the safest place on planet Earth.

What The Role Is

HTX is Singapore's Science and Technology agency that brings together diverse scientific and engineering capabilities to develop transformative, operationally ready solutions for public safety. As a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs, HTX works at the forefront of science and technology to empower the Home Team with cutting-edge capabilities. Guided by our mission to amplify, augment and accelerate the Home Team's advantage, we are committed to keeping Singapore the safest place on planet Earth.

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.

Drugs and new psychoactive substances pose a growing threat to public safety in Singapore. At HTX's Forensics Centre of Expertise, we develop the scientific capabilities that help the Home Team stay ahead of this threat - from identifying novel compounds that have never been seen before to understanding how psychoactive substances affect the brain.

As a Senior Forensic Scientist in our Pharmacology team, you will lead research that directly shapes how Singapore detects, investigates, and responds to drug-related harms. Working alongside a team of forensic scientists, you will design and validate new methodologies, build cutting-edge capabilities, and push the boundaries of what forensic science can do to drive operational impact.

What You Will Be Working On

• Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging technologies and translate them into new game-changing forensic capabilities that support Home Team Departments and other agencies
• Design, develop and validate new forensic methods and capabilities to address operational needs
• Oversee and manage projects end-to-end from conceptualisation and planning through to implementation, managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communications along the way
• Develop competencies and expertise as a subject matter expert in forensic science, keeping pace with advances in technology, methods and instrumentation across relevant domains
• Collaborate with forensic counterparts, industry partners, and academic institutions locally and internationally to develop innovative methodologies, products and practices
• Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders across the Home Team and within HTX
• Be responsible for ethical submissions, including institutional review board applications
• Provide mentorship for junior researchers
• Handle administrative and managerial tasks for day-to-day laboratory operations, including procurement, equipment maintenance and inventory management
• Uphold quality assurance and workplace safety standards, ensuring the laboratory operates in line with established protocols and regulatory requirements
• Participate in agency activities such as trials and training exercises with internal stakeholders as required

What We Are Looking For

• Possesses a post-graduate degree (MSc or PhD) in a biomedical science discipline, such as Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry or other related disciplines.
• At least 5 years of relevant academic, industry or forensic experience (research undertaken during MSc/PhD will be considered)
• Knowledge of research methodologies and practical experience in designing and executing scientific research projects
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, ligand binding assays and cell-based assays is preferred
• Familiarity with quality management frameworks such as good laboratory practices or ISO17025 is an advantage
• Scientifically rigorous and passionate about pursuing innovations to tackle novel problems with real operational stakes
• Committed and motivated self-starter who takes initiative and thinks critically, with a logical and hands-on approach to problem solving