You will be responsible for directing a core team of scientists, conducting specialized research, and supporting the Principal Scientific Officer (Virology) for the virology 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 virology section engages in research on endemic viral diseases of public health importance, emerging and zoonotic viral pathogens, and pathogens of high consequence. 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.

• Design and conduct research related to the virology section of CDA Research Laboratory. • Support the rapid response to outbreaks of national importance. • Train and supervise laboratory staff of virology section. • Assist with project management. • Participate in collaborations with national and international public health partners. • Design and conduct virology research that drives public health policy decisions. • Develop and implement new (or improved) cell culture-based systems and assays for viruses of public health importance • Manage and participate in data analysis and interpretation of scientific results for the virology team. • Assist in preparation of research reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grants. • Communicate and coordinate with collaborators.

• Minimum Ph.D. from recognised discipline preferably in virology, microbiology, biological sciences or related field. • At least 5 years of relevant experience. • Familiarity to develop and implement cell-culture based virus assays for public health needs. • Experience in analysing and reporting research results and outcomes. • Effective verbal and written communication skills, including for research reports, presentations, manuscripts and grants. • Ability to manage multiple projects. • BSL-3 experience or willingness to be trained to work with infectious virus in a BSL-3 facility (preferred but not required). As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.

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.