Senior Principal Research Officer/ PRO (Vector-Pathogen Interaction Branch)

Government Technology Agency (GovTech); Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

GovTech's Environmental Health Institute (EHI) invites a research scientist to join the Vector-Pathogen Interaction Branch within the Vector Biology and Control Division. You will lead projects on vector competence, vector–pathogen interactions, and the environmental factors shaping transmission.

You will translate findings into policy and public health practice, build collaborations, mentor junior researchers, and help enhance Singapore’s vector surveillance, risk assessment and preparedness.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Medical Entomology/Vector Biology with relevant vector–pathogen research.
• Experience in vector competence studies, arthropod handling and pathogen culture/infection assays.
• Peer‑reviewed publications demonstrating research track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects from design to analysis and publication.
• Advance vector competence and transmission research including genetic and environmental factors.
• Translate findings to public health applications and policy development.
• Develop new methods and capabilities; build partnerships and communicate results.

Skills

Vector biology

Vector competence

Arthropod handling

Molecular techniques

Pathogen culture

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Project leadership

Education

Master’s or PhD in Medical Entomology/Vector Biology

Job description

[What the role is]The Environmental Health Institute (EHI) is looking for a researcher with a strong track record to join the Vector-Pathogen Interaction Branch within the Vector Biology and Control Division.The Branch studies how vectors, symbionts, pathogens and the environment interact to influence disease transmission. Our research spans vector competence, vector–pathogen-symbiont interactions, emerging and re-emerging pathogens, and the biological, genetic and environmental factors affecting pathogen transmission. Our work generates evidence to assess vector-borne disease risks and strengthen Singapore’s surveillance, preparedness and control programmes.In this role, you will have opportunities to develop and lead research, establish new approaches and capabilities, and collaborate with researchers, public health professionals and other stakeholders in Singapore and internationally. You will also help translate scientific findings into policy and operations, while developing your expertise in areas such as research leadership, project management, innovation, and scientific communication.[What you will be working on]Lead research projects – Formulate research questions and lead studies from design and execution through to analysis, interpretation, and publicationAdvance vector competence and transmission research – Investigate the ability of mosquitoes and other arthropod vectors to acquire and transmit pathogens, including the biological, genetic and environmental factors influencing infection and transmissionInvestigate emerging vector-borne disease threats – Assess emerging and re-emerging pathogens and their transmission potential by local biting arthropods to support risk assessment and preparednessTranslate research into public health impact – Contribute to multidisciplinary studies and apply research findings to strengthen vector surveillance, risk assessment, preparedness and control strategiesDevelop research capabilities – Identify emerging research needs and capability gaps, and develop new methods, experimental approaches, and technical capabilitiesProvide scientific leadership – Guide research projects, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to research priorities and the development of the Branch’s research programmeBuild partnerships and communicate research – Strengthen local and international collaborations, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and communicate findings to scientific, technical and stakeholder audiences[What we are looking for]Master’s or PhD in Medical Entomology, Vector Biology or a related discipline, with relevant research experience in vector–pathogen interaction research (vector competence studies, arthropod handling, pathogen culture/infection assays) and application of molecular, genetic, genomic, transcriptomic, and/or bioinformatics approaches being an advantageA demonstrated research track record in medical entomology, vector biology, vector–pathogen interactions or a related field, supported by peer-reviewed scientific publicationDemonstrated ability to independently develop and lead research projects, from formulating research questions and designing studies to analysing and interpreting data, communicating findings, and translating research into relevant public health applicationsAbility to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams and collaborate with external research institutions, public health agencies, and other partnersStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret scientific findings and apply them to public health questionsGood scientific writing and communication skillsAble to work independently, take initiative and manage research projects effectivelyMeticulous and attentive to detail, particularly in experimental work, data analysis and scientific documentationAble to work safely in high-containment laboratory environments and comply with applicable biosafety procedures and requirementsAble to work on weekends or after office hours