Job Description

What the role is:Purpose of JobThe mission of SFA is to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore. The Urban Food Solutions Division drives the development of productive, resource efficient and climate resilient technologies and innovation in tropical aquaculture and urban agriculture by building scientific expertise and strategic partnerships with academia and industry stakeholders.The successful candidate will play a key role in leading the Agri-tech and Food Innovation Department to:

• Drive strategic research to improve resiliency of local farming.
• Establish R&D ecosystem with capability and capacity to develop and translate technology to the local agri-industry.
• Provide technical expertise to support policies and operations on urban agriculture in SFA.

Duties

• Conduct research and development in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to enhance crop yield and quality.
• Identify, evaluate, and promote relevant technologies and solutions for local farms to transform the agri-food system.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage projects to advance and expand sustainable urban food production systems.
• Engage industry and research institutions in collaborative research projects.
• Conduct test-bedding and provide technical advisory to farms and stakeholders involved in food production systems.
• Represent Singapore in international platforms for crops and agriculture matters.

Qualifications

• Strong scientific or research background in environment agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, crop science, plant breeding and genetics, with 2+ years of experience or equivalent.
• Ability to bridge scientific advancements with practical applications.
• Strong scientific or research background in various controlled environments, from growth chambers to greenhouse.
• Expertise in climate control, lighting, temperature, fertigation, hydroponics, and pest control, with a focus on developing light recipe to increase crop yield and quality and reduce production costs.
• Experience in project management for environmental optimization in controlled environment agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute project plans.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with statistical methods.

Other Requirements

• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Strong interpersonal skills, exceptional communication abilities, and adept at adapting to changing priorities.
• Analytical and systematic approach to research with strong leadership capabilities.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, and effectively engage with stakeholders.

• We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified for the interview.

About Singapore Food Agency:The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is a new Statutory Board formed under the \'Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to oversee food safety and security. The SFA will serve as the single point of contact for public feedback on food-related issues, and strengthen management of foodborne disease outbreaks to protect public health. The SFA will also facilitate more business-friendly regulations with oversight of all food safety policies and consolidation of food laboratory capabilities to deepen competencies in food diagnostics, and research and development in food safety.

Singapore Food Agency