Sr Scientific Officer

Institution: Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Family Group: Allied Health

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 involved in the establishment of the recombinant virus and viral vector platform as part of the PREPARE Vaccine & Therapeutics co-op in collaboration with partner laboratories. This co-op aims to develop pathogen-agnostic technologies and platforms to enable rapid therapeutic or vaccine development to enhance Singapore’s capabilities and access to vaccines during future epidemics. You will be responsible for experimental design, evaluation and documentation of the results and coordination with our collaborating partners

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC

Establishment of reverse genetic workflows for generation of viral vectors, recombinant/reporter virus in collaboration with PREPARE collaborating laboratories.
Lead the immunological/virological characterization of viral infection models within BSL3/BSL2 e.g. viral load, neutralization titre etc in support of PREPARE projects.
Work with the PREPARE Laboratory head to manage PREPARE projects and train/supervise attached staff.

GENERAL

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

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Ph.D in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases or equival
A current RUCLAC or equivalent certificate is advantageous.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 3-4 years’ experience with reverse genetics and molecular biology workflows for generation of vaccine viral vectors/pseudovirus/reporter virus/infectious clones
Experience with virological and immunological techniques such as PRNT, TCID, microneutralization, flow cytometry, ELISA
Willing to work in a high containment setting with high-risk pathogens and travel to the PREPARE BSL3 which is located at NTU LKC. Prior experience working in a high containment (BSL3) laboratory setting is advantageous.
Ability to lead a research project independently, able to cope with tight timelines and willing to respond out-of-office hours during national emergencies or due to exigencies of service.
Able to work well as a team and with partners from other PREPARE Cores & Co-ops, academic labs or government agencies.
Familiarity with standard mouse handling techniques e.g. intranasal inoculation, IV/IP injection, cheek bleeds, administration of anaesthesia/euthanasia is advantageous
Good oral and written communication skills