(Senior) Research Officer (High Containment Facility Operations), A*IDL

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The A*STAR High Containment Facility (A*HCF) within A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs invites applications for Research Officer or Senior Research Officer to ensure safe, compliant operation of BSL-3 and ABSL-3 laboratories in Singapore.

The role collaborates with facility management, scientists and safety personnel to maintain readiness, document control and regulatory submissions, while supporting emergency drills and pathogen handling under approved training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Strong commitment to biosafety, biosecurity and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain accurate documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day operations and readiness of the BSL-3 and ABSL-3 laboratories, including routine facility checks and coordination of operational activities.
• Conduct onboarding, practical training and competency assessments for facility users on routine work practices, containment procedures, personal protective equipment and emergency response requirements.
• Maintain accurate and current operational documentation, including standard operating procedures, training and competency records, equipment records, facility logs and other regulatory or audit-related records.
• Support internal and external inspections, audits, certifications and regulatory submissions, including preparation of records and follow-up on observations or corrective actions.
• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance, servicing, calibration and certification of laboratory equipment with internal stakeholders, vendors and service providers.
• Monitor and manage laboratory consumables, personal protective equipment and critical supplies to support operational continuity and emergency preparedness.
• Support decontamination, disinfection, waste-management and material-transfer activities in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in emergency preparedness activities, including drills, incident response, investigations and follow-up actions.
• Provide operational support for approved research activities involving Risk Group 3 pathogens, including pathogen inactivation and other laboratory procedures after appropriate training and competency assessment.
• Support ABSL-3 activities and animal work where required; training will be provided if none.
• Work collaboratively with scientific teams and other facility personnel to identify operational issues and implement practical improvements to safety, compliance and workflow efficiency.
• Undertake other facility operations and laboratory support duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical or Clinical Laboratory Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Virology, Microbiology or related discipline

Job description

The A*STAR High Containment Facility (A*HCF), hosted by A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL), supports research involving Risk Group 3 pathogens and strengthens Singapore's capabilities in infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness. We are seeking a Research Officer or Senior Research Officer to support the safe, compliant and efficient operation of the Facility's BSL-3 and ABSL-3 laboratories.

The successful candidate will work closely with facility management, scientific users, safety personnel and service providers. The appointment level will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience and demonstrated capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day operations and readiness of the BSL-3 and ABSL-3 laboratories, including routine facility checks and coordination of operational activities.
• Conduct onboarding, practical training and competency assessments for facility users on routine work practices, containment procedures, personal protective equipment and emergency response requirements.
• Maintain accurate and current operational documentation, including standard operating procedures, training and competency records, equipment records, facility logs and other regulatory or audit-related records.
• Support internal and external inspections, audits, certifications and regulatory submissions, including preparation of records and follow-up on observations or corrective actions.
• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance, servicing, calibration and certification of laboratory equipment with internal stakeholders, vendors and service providers.
• Monitor and manage laboratory consumables, personal protective equipment and critical supplies to support operational continuity and emergency preparedness.
• Support decontamination, disinfection, waste-management and material-transfer activities in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in emergency preparedness activities, including drills, incident response, investigations and follow-up actions.
• Provide operational support for approved research activities involving Risk Group 3 pathogens, including pathogen inactivation and other laboratory procedures after appropriate training and competency assessment.
• Support ABSL-3 activities and animal work where required; relevant training will be provided to candidates without prior animal-handling experience.
• Work collaboratively with scientific teams and other facility personnel to identify operational issues and implement practical improvements to safety, compliance and workflow efficiency.
• Undertake other facility operations and laboratory support duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Medical or Clinical Laboratory Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Virology, Microbiology or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in laboratory operations, research support, biosafety or a regulated laboratory environment. Candidates with stronger relevant experience may be considered for appointment as Senior Research Officer.
• Prior experience working in a BSL-3 or other high-containment laboratory is preferred. Candidates with strong BSL-2 experience and the aptitude to undertake high-containment training may also be considered.
• Experience in virology, microbiology, molecular biology, cell culture, pathogen inactivation or related laboratory techniques would be advantageous.
• Experience in animal handling or ABSL operations would be advantageous but is not essential, as training can be provided.
• Strong commitment to biosafety, biosecurity, regulatory compliance and accurate documentation.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, respond calmly to operational issues and work effectively in a high-accountability environment.
• Good organisational, interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with close attention to detail.
• A proactive, dependable and collaborative approach, with a willingness to learn new systems, equipment and procedures.
• Ability to wear the required personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, and to work within BSL-3 and ABSL-3 environments following medical clearance and training.