The Deputy Director plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping and advancing Singapore's infectious diseases research agenda. The incumbent will lead the implementation of CDA's research strategy, driving high-priority initiatives that generate robust evidence to inform policy decisions and evidence-based practice across major outbreaks, pandemics, and endemic infectious diseases. The role carries senior oversight responsibility for CDA's research operations, encompassing strategic planning, governance, regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk management. The Deputy Director will also spearhead the establishment of CDA's research implementation arm, cultivate high-value partnerships with local and international centres of excellence, and champion research training initiatives to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled research talent. Through close collaboration with CDA research divisions and relevant stakeholder groups, the incumbent will foster synergy and shared ownership in delivering CDA's research objectives.
Communicable Diseases Agency
Deputy Director (Research Coordination & Administration)
Fixed Terms
Closing on 21 May 2026What the role is
What you will be working on
Lead and align CDA research divisions and relevant CDA groups, fostering synergy and shared ownership in the achievement of CDA's research objectives
Facilitate actively to the development and implementation of Singapore's national infectious diseases research strategy
Provide senior oversight of CDA's research operations, ensuring sound strategic planning, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and effective enterprise risk management
Drive high-priority national infectious disease research initiatives, including building and sustaining core outbreak research capabilities that generate robust evidence to guide policy decisions and evidence-based practice during major outbreaks and pandemics
Contribute actively to the establishment and long-term sustainability of core national research capabilities on endemic infectious diseases
Spearhead the design and implementation of research training initiatives to systematically develop and enhance research capabilities across CDA building a pipeline of skilled research talent
Cultivate and steward high-value strategic partnerships with local and international centres of excellence, including academic institutions, healthcare clusters, and public health agencies
Drive the monitoring and evaluation of CDA research outcomes and KPIs, delivering regular reports to senior stakeholders
Spearhead the establishment and operationalisation of CDA's research implementation arm, laying a strong foundation for sustainable and impactful research delivery
What we are looking for
Degree in a relevant field such as public health, life sciences, or a related discipline with minimum 15 years of relevant experience
Proven experience in research administration and management, including overseeing research operations, governance, and compliance
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development
Minimum 5 years of senior leadership or team management experience, with a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams in a complex organisational environment
Strong leadership capabilities with a demonstrated ability to lead, align, and inspire cross-functional teams towards shared research objectives
Proven track record in cultivating and managing high-value strategic partnerships with local and international academic institutions, healthcare clusters, and public health agencies
Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate complex research findings into actionable insights and policy recommendations
Meticulous with strong attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality reports for senior stakeholders
Resilient and composed under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines simultaneously
Independent, self-driven, and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities
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
This job is closing on 21 May 2026.
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