Job Description

What the role is:We are seeking experienced and highly motivated medical entomologist, with relevant expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS), to join our team at the Environmental Health Institute (EHI), National Environment Agency.What you will be working on:You will play a key role in developing our biosurveillance programme to enhance our understanding of the diversity, distribution, biology and ecology of biting arthropods (mosquitoes, sandflies, biting midges etc.). In addition, you will assess the risks of vector-borne diseases attributable to these biting arthropods, including the introduction and spread of exotic pathogens into Singapore, and develop integrated mitigation strategies against them. Your work will also involve supporting Singapore\'s vector surveillance and control programme and publishing your findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. If you are passionate about making a difference in safeguarding public health and have the necessary skillsets, we encourage you to apply.The successful candidate will complement EHI\'s existing expertise in medical entomology and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of laboratory and field researchers to further develop existing vector surveillance and control strategies. This work will guide the development of public health intervention plans to support operational decision-making in controlling them. As a member of the EHI family, you will have numerous opportunities for personal development, not only in science, but also in other areas such as leadership, management, and communication. You will also support other research projects undertaken at EHI, which will contribute towards improving public health in Singapore.What we are looking for:

• The ideal candidate should be very skilled in fundamental molecular biology techniques. The candidate must be capable of organizing and tracking samples efficiently for large-scale analyses.
• Able to demonstrate experience with NGS sample preparation and analyses, including familiarity with programming language for running command line tools, would be an advantage
• Excellent knowledge in the systematics, biology, ecology and surveillance of mosquitoes including the diseases attributable to them
• Experience in field surveillance, morpho-taxonomy and DNA barcoding of arthropod vectors
• Experience in the colonisation of mosquitoes and mosquito-pathogen interaction research studies will be an advantage.
• High capacity for systems thinking and creativity, and inclination for trans-disciplinary science
• Excellent organisational, analytical, interpersonal, and communications (written and oral) skills
• Able to work independently and collaborate effectively across multiple cross- functional teams
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities and stakeholders concurrently
• Candidate should be physically fit to carry-out field work that may involve hiking over long distances to set-up surveillance equipment
• Self-driven and open to development opportunities
• Able to work staggered hours or after office-hours, weekends and public holiday

Applicants will be updated on the status of their applications within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.As part of the shortlisting process for this role, you may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.About National Environment Agency:The National Environment Agency (NEA) is the leading public organisation responsible for ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for Singapore. Its key roles are to improve and sustain a clean environment, promote sustainability and resource efficiency, maintain high public health standards, provide timely and reliable meteorological information, and encourage a vibrant hawker culture. NEA works closely with its partners and the community to develop and spearhead environmental and public health initiatives and programmes. It is committed to motivating every individual to care for the environment as a way of life, in order to build a liveable and sustainable Singapore for present and future generations. For more information, visit www.nea.gov.sg

National Environment Agency