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. CDA will consolidate and build on the public health functions under MOH, the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, and the Health Promotion Board.
Oversee and supervise the four reporting units, to ensure comprehensive and effective readiness and response of the laboratory system to pandemics and outbreaks, in a safe and secure environment. The four units are:
a) Laboratory Network Capacity and Readiness
b) Biosafety and Biosecurity
c) Laboratory Engagement and Coordination
d) Diagnostic Technology Evaluation Unit
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.
Head (Laboratory Network Strategy & Coordination) (CDA)
Ministry of Health
Permanent/ContractClosed
What the role is
What you will be working on
• Oversee the strategic planning of the Laboratory Network Capacity and Readiness unit by identifying resource and operational requirements at the national level, and options to meet the challenge of pandemics and other crises. Identify stakeholders and conduct exercises and assessments to validate proposals. Establish standards and systems for implementation.
• Lead in establishing good biosafety practice at a national level. Lead and contribute to the development of guidelines for biosafety and biosecurity. Provide advice on biosafety and biosecurity practice to MOH and other agencies. Engage biosafety laboratory professionals, international bodies and subject matter experts.
• Establish partnerships with key public health laboratories globally to facilitate the exchange of best practices and training methods and data analysis.. Acquire timely insights and intelligence on new and emerging pathogens. Contribute to enhancing regional capabilities and maintaining reliable connections with crucial laboratories and personnel. Provide administrative support for training and subsequent activities.
• Engage with other CDA units, MOH, government ministries and agencies in realizing whole-of-government approach to national planning for laboratory capacity and readiness.
• Assess innovative technologies and platforms for diagnostic application. Recommend the development and evaluation of technologies in a field setting. Collaborate with relevant agencies or stakeholders for on-site evaluations and seek input from subject matter experts to aid in the assessment process.
What we are looking for
• Minimum tertiary qualifications from recognised discipline
• At least 10 years of working experience, preferably with at least 3 years in the healthcare industry
• Background in laboratory testing and organising system will be an advantage.
• Strong engagement skills for interaction with different stakeholders
• Highly driven, goal-oriented and able to operate under tight deadlines
• Able to work independently and in uncertain and fluid environment
• Able to multi-task and deliver on multiple items
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.