Communicable Diseases Agency

Public Health Officer / Senior Public Health Officer (Research)

Fixed TermsClosed

What the role is

The Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Office (AMRCO) was established by MOH in 2018 to oversee the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The NSAP aims to combat AMR in Singapore through collective One Health efforts across the human, animal, food, and environment sectors. This is achieved through coordinating actions with all relevant stakeholders pertaining to the five core strategies of the NSAP: (1) Education, (2) Surveillance and Risk Assessment, (3) Research, (4) Prevention & Control of infection, and (5) Optimisation of antimicrobial use.

Under the Research portfolio, the candidate supports the Head and Manager of AMRCO in implementing Research strategies and initiatives under the National Strategic Action Plan on AMR. Our stakeholders include those within NCID, across relevant ministries, government agencies and institutions in Singapore, in private and public sectors, as well as with regional and international partners.

In this role, the candidate will be involved in building and regularly updating the national AMR research agenda, working with partners and stakeholders across different organisations to identify and develop evidence-informed strategies that can be implemented in Singapore’s context to mitigate AMR through regular engagements, and communicating with the research community. You will be working alongside a team with varied skills and backgrounds, but with common goals to (i) reduce the emergence of AMR, (ii) prevent the spread of drug resistant pathogens, and (iii) preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials. You will also be part of a multi-sectoral national AMR Secretariat that serves to drive action across sectors.

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.

What you will be working on

1. Regularly map and monitor the local AMR research landscape to identify gaps and priority needs in Singapore’s context.

2. Review published literature, both local and global, to formulate evidence-informed strategies that can be implemented in Singapore’s context to reduce AMR;

3. In partnership with our partners and stakeholders, identify priority research needs that support the development of local policies and practices to mitigate AMR;

4. Track the performance of funding programmes and provide timely reports to the relevant governing bodies;

5. Engage and partner local and international scientific community to advance the national agenda for AMR research

6. Facilitate and support the work of the national AMR committees, including providing administrative support for meetings, taking minutes, and preparing meeting-related materials.

7. Collect, collate and report on surveillance data and other indicators; monitor progress on work plan implementation.

8. Perform general administrative procedures, including but not limited to procurement, records-keeping, stock-taking and other operations needed for smooth functioning of the office.

9. Perform ad-hoc duties as requested by Reporting Office or Head of Division.

What we are looking for

- Trained in health-, bioscience-, biomedical-, or biotechnology-related field, public health, epidemiology, or biostatistics, or in any other field related to the functions of the post

- At least five years’ combined experience working in infectious diseases research, performing statistical analysis, systematic literature reviews and qualitative data analysis will be essential.

- Experience in performing research administration, policy work, organising workshops, or any other experience related to the functions of the post, will be desirable. Proficiency in performing statistical analyses and interpreting data output, programming languages such as Python or R, or similar, will be desirable. Technical understanding or experience of AMR and the One Health principles will be highly desirable. (Note: Candidates will be required to demonstrate proficiency.)

- Ability to lead cross-functional or multi-sectoral teams.

- Excellent business writing and verbal communication skills.

- Interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

Key Competencies Required:

- Thinking Clearly & Making Sound Judgements – Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to support the crafting of sound policy recommendations; ability to grasp timelines, operating context and ground realities.

- Learning & Putting Skills into Action - Possesses the drive and curiosity to learn and apply new skills, knowledge and new ways of working.

- Improving & Innovating – Ability to seek continual improvements, and to innovate and experiment while managing the risks involved.

- Working Effectively with Stakeholders – Ability to mobilise and rally partners and stakeholders towards a collective purpose.

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.

About your application process

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within Communicable Diseases Agency or the wider Public Service.

About Communicable Diseases Agency

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) was established in 2025 as a statutory board under Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) to serve as the central authority for public health policymaking to manage and control the threat of communicable diseases. This is aimed at strengthening Singapore's public health capabilities built during the COVID-19 response to ensure a unified command and coordinated approach across all situations, from routine disease control to future outbreaks. CDA safeguards the nation from communicable diseases through disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, vaccination programs, public education, and global health collaboration. Beyond domestic activities, the CDA aims to expand Singapore’s global outreach and foster collaboration with international partners.

Learn more about Communicable Diseases Agency