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 (Home Team Science & Technology Agency) is seeking a Senior Forensic Scientist in Pharmacology within the Forensics Centre of Expertise. You will lead research shaping how Singapore detects and investigates drug-related harms, partnering with forensic scientists to build cutting-edge capabilities.

You will design and validate new methodologies, manage projects end-to-end, and mentor junior researchers while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in biomedical sciences with research experience.
• Experience designing and executing scientific research projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality frameworks is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead research shaping detection methods and capabilities.
• Design, validate and implement new forensic methodologies.
• Manage projects end-to-end including budgets and timelines.
• Mentor junior researchers and collaborate with partners.
• Ensure quality assurance and safety in laboratory operations.
• Engage with international partners to advance methodologies.
• Prepare ethical submissions and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Support day-to-day lab operations and procurement.

Skills

Cell culture

Ligand binding assays

Cell-based assays

Research design

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

MSc or PhD in biomedical science

Tools

Quality management systems

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
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams
• Able to communicate complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Able to build networks and collaborate effectively with international partners and stakeholders
• Well-organised and able to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Demonstrates integrity and tenacity, with a strong sense of responsibility
• 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.