Scientific Officer

JOB SUMMARY
 

The Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and REsponse (PREPARE) is a national programme that was set up by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to support and strengthen Singapore’s key essential research capabilities, translational platforms, and expertise to develop tools, methods and products that can be tapped on to detect, respond to, and contain future infectious disease threats.

You will be lead the development and execution of culture and inactivation methods for viral pathogens within the high containment laboratory (BSL3) setting as part of the PREPARE Biorepository Core. The Core processes, characterizes, and stores pathogen and patient samples in support of national pandemic readiness. In collaboration with other components of PREPARE, you will facilitate the national pandemic response by characterizing viral isolates and patient samples. You will be responsible for experimental planning, evaluation and documentation of the results and coordination with our host BSL3 laboratory which is located at NTU LKC School of Medicine. 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC

1. Development and validation of culture and viral inactivation methods for viral pathogens with pandemic potential within the high containment laboratory
2. Work with the PREPARE Biorepository Head to manage/supervise PREPARE projects and attached staff.
3. Lead viral culture, patient sample processing and other related experiments within the high containment laboratory in support of PREPARE projects.
4. Ensure proper documentation, quality control, tracking and storage of viral isolates and patient samples.

GENERAL

1. Ensure safe execution of experiments and adherence to SOPs and all safety & ethics regulations/policies and procedures stipulated by the lab and institution.
2. Analyze experimental data and ensure proper documentation of results.
3. Prepare scientific papers and posters for publication and/or presentation at research & scientific conferences.  
4. Perform other duties as directed by supervisors and HOD, including work areas not mentioned here.

EDUCATION

1. Ph.D in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases or equivalent.
2. Relevant certificate in biorisk/biosafety is desirable.

EXPERIENCE
 

1. Minimum 5 years’ experience in Virology/Infectious Disease/high containment related work
2. Familiarity with standard virology techniques e.g. virus and cell culture, prior experience with operation of irradiators is highly desirable.   
3. Willingness to work in a high containment setting with high-risk pathogens. Prior experience working in a high containment (BSL2+/BSL3) laboratory setting is highly desirable.
4. Ability to lead research project independently and willing to respond out-of-office hours during national emergencies or due to exigencies of service.
5. Able to work well as a team and with partners from other PREPARE Cores & Co-ops, academic labs or government agencies.  
6. Good oral and written communication skills