Communicable Diseases Agency

Principal/ Lead/ Senior Scientific Officer (Diagnostics Evaluation)

Fixed TermsClosed

What the role is

We are looking for an experienced and agile scientific officer to join our team in CDA. The candidate will lead a core team of scientists for the diagnostics validation section of the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) Research Laboratory.

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

You will establish and lead the diagnostic validation section of the CDA Research Laboratory and ensure of the technical competency and proficiency of the section. You will also collaborate with national and international researchers to ensure that the section is able to respond rapidly to a nationally important outbreak.

What we are looking for

Key Job Responsibilities:

Establish and lead diagnostic validation section of CDA Research Laboratory.
Ensure technical competency and proficiency of laboratory staff of diagnostic validation section.
Ensure laboratory equipment and processes comply with national and international technical and biosafety standards.
Work with relevant public health surveillance and national programmes in developing research projects.
Ensure diagnostic validation section is able to respond rapidly to a nationally important outbreak.
Participate in national and international collaboration and networks which are critical in outbreak response.
Recruit and train laboratory staff.
Design laboratory standard operating procedures.
Conduct in-house research as well as collaborate in research that may involve external partners within Singapore.
Work with public health surveillance and national programmes to develop key research questions, plan operational research activities that may be conducted in-house or via commissioning external partners with relevant expertise.
Participate in and contribute to national and international collaboration and network.

Job Requirements:

At least 5 years of relevant experience in related fields
ISO/IEC experience preferred.
Scientific expertise in diagnostics methodology and technologies.
Experience in developing diagnostics for new and emerging pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi).
Ability to build and manage a core team.
Ability to engage stakeholders.
Experience in analysing and communicating research outcomes.

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