Senior/Scientific Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and REsponse (PREPARE) is a national programme set up by the Ministry of Health to strengthen Singapore’s capability to respond to future infectious disease threats. You will oversee the study, provide the technical and scientific expertise required to establish a metagenomics platform for the identification and detection of emerging viral pathogens, as well as direct and explore further expansion opportunities.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC

1. Provide technical and scientific expertise relating to metagenomics sequencing, initially on respiratory samples, with a focus on viral pathogens, and possibly expanding to other sample types and pathogens.
2. Liaison with clinical collaborators to ensure appropriate clinical inclusion/exclusion criteria and sample characteristics.
3. Liaison with researchers in the field and performing thorough literature review to explore best wet bench and analysis methodologies.
4. Provide expertise for optimization of sample processing and library preparation workflows for metagenomics sequencing.
5. Overall interpretation of results and manuscript preparation for submission to peer reviewed journals.
6. For the position of Senior Scientific Officer, further responsibilities will include:
   • Advancing collaborations on the potential of combining the established platform with other technologies for pathogen discovery and characterization
   • Exploring opportunities for expansion of work and preparing proposals for relevant grant funding applications.

GENERAL

1. Adhere to all general hospital and laboratory policies and other directives as issued.
2. Comply with research ethics and patient confidentiality.
3. Comply with all safety regulations and infection control policies / procedures stipulated by the laboratory / institute.
4. Help promote a working environment of collegiality and teamwork.
5. Any other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

• PhD in Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Molecular Biology or a related field.
• Postdoctoral experience in infectious disease research would be an advantage (requirement for position of Senior Scientific Officer).

EXPERIENCE

• Preferably with working experience in Infectious Disease / Immunology / Molecular Biology / Clinical Diagnostics / related work (requirement for position of Senior Scientific Officer).
• Prior experience in publication of research findings would be an advantage (requirement for position of Senior Scientific Officer).
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Astute critical thinking skills and willingness to learn.