Job Description

What the role is:You will lead a core team of scientists for the diagnostics validation section of the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) Research Laboratory. The CDA is a new government agency that is being established by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to oversee Singapore\'s communicable disease preparedness, prevention and control, surveillance, risk assessment and outbreak response. The CDA Research Laboratory\'s role is to conduct research that can inform public health policies and clinical guidelines via in-house or commissioned projects. The CDA Research Laboratory\'s diagnostic validation section focuses on developing, evaluating and validating diagnostics for new and emerging pathogens (including virus, bacteria, fungi). You will be working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that would require the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.What you will be working on:

• Establish and lead diagnostic validation section of CDA Research Laboratory. \xe2\x80\xa2 Ensure technical competency and proficiency of laboratory staff of diagnostic validation section. \xe2\x80\xa2 Ensure laboratory equipment and processes comply with national and international technical and biosafety standards. \xe2\x80\xa2 Work with relevant public health surveillance and national programmes in developing research projects. \xe2\x80\xa2 Ensure diagnostic validation section is able to respond rapidly to a nationally important outbreak. \xe2\x80\xa2 Participate in national and international collaboration and networks which are critical in outbreak response. \xe2\x80\xa2 Recruit and train laboratory staff. \xe2\x80\xa2 Design laboratory standard operating procedures. \xe2\x80\xa2 Conduct in-house research as well as collaborate in research that may involve external partners within Singapore. \xe2\x80\xa2 Work with public health surveillance and national programmes to develop key research questions, plan operational research activities that may be conducted in-house or via commissioning external partners with relevant expertise. \xe2\x80\xa2 Participate in and contribute to national and international collaboration and network.

What we are looking for:

• Minimally Ph.D. in relevant field. \xe2\x80\xa2 At least 5 years of relevant experience. \xe2\x80\xa2 ISO/IEC experience preferred. \xe2\x80\xa2 Scientific expertise in diagnostics methodology and technologies. \xe2\x80\xa2 Experience in developing diagnostics for new and emerging pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi). \xe2\x80\xa2 Ability to build and manage a core team. \xe2\x80\xa2 Ability to engage stakeholders. \xe2\x80\xa2 Experience in analysing and communicating research outcomes. As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.

About Ministry of Health:The Ministry of Health\'s (MOH) vision is to champion a healthy nation with our people - to live well, live long and with peace of mind. As an open country constantly exposed to an interconnected world, Singapore faces complex issues in public healthcare. MOH constantly grapples with new challenges brought on by an increasingly globalised world, a rapidly ageing population and rising expectations. MOH\'s responses to these challenges include preventing and managing the outbreak of diseases such as SARS and Influenza A (H1N1), designing a healthcare system that delivers care in an integrated and effective manner, growing the capacity and capabilities within the sector, and managing healthcare inflation. As an MOH officer, you will be involved in formulating and implementing policies that guide Singapore\'s healthcare ecosystem. You will work alongside a team with varied skills and backgrounds, but with the common goals of (i) promoting good health and reducing illnesses; (ii) ensuring that Singaporeans have access to good and affordable healthcare; and (iii) pursuing medical excellence. Your work will have far-reaching impact on the health and lives of Singaporeans.

Ministry of Health