Job Description

JOB SUMMARYThe 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 assist with virology experiments and sample processing 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, the core facilitates the national pandemic response by characterizing viral isolates and patient samples at our host BSL3 laboratory which is located at NTU LKC School of Medicine as well as at Infectious Disease Research Laboratory located at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases.MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESSPECIFIC

• Assist with development and validation of culture and viral inactivation methods for viral pathogens with pandemic potential within the high containment laboratory.
• Work with the PREPARE Biorepository Lead and Senior Scientific Officer (Biorepository Core) to execute PREPARE related projects and experiments.
• Assist with and conduct patient sample processing and virology related experiments in support of PREPARE projects.
• Assist with proper documentation, quality control, tracking and storage of viral isolates and patient samples.
• Assist with purchasing and logistics for PREPARE projects.

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.
• Perform other duties as directed by supervisors and HOD, including work areas not mentioned here.

ORGANISATION RELATIONSHIPSSUPERVISOR\'S SUPERIOR : Clinical Director, NCIDSUPERVISOR : Snr Principal Scientific OfficerSUBORDINATE : N.AJOB REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION

• Diploma or degree in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases or equivalent.
• Relevant certificate in biorisk/biosafety is desirable.

EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience and familiarity with standard virology techniques e.g. virus and cell culture. Ability to conduct high throughput TCID/microneutralization/PRNT assays is highly desirable.
• Willingness to work in a high containment setting with high-risk pathogens. Prior experience working in a high containment (BSL3) laboratory setting or experience with viral inactivation techniques/X-ray irradiators is advantageous.
• Able to work to tight deadlines 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.
• Good oral and written communication skills

National Healthcare Group