Principal/ Senior Scientific Officer (Applied Pathogen Genomics, Research) (CDA)

Communicable Diseases Agency

Fixed Terms

What the role is

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 PO’s role is to plan and execute the setup of the CDA, which will consolidate and build on the public health functions under MOH, the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, and the Health Promotion Board.

To lead and conduct laboratory and/or epidemiology-based research in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), review existing publications in related fields, independently design, plan and supervise experiments/projects.

You will provide scientific expertise for work in the AMR field, develop new methods for AMR research, analyse data and prepare presentations and publications. 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

AMR is one of the top global public health and development threats. It is of utmost importance to improve our understanding of the AMR situation and fill in existing knowledge gaps. You will oversee a study investigating the transmission of AMR genes in Singapore. You will analyse genomic data to identify transmission pathways of AMR and investigate the mechanisms driving the spread of AMR in hospitals.

Job responsibilities

Oversee the conduct of whole genome sequencing and analysis projects.
Provide scientific and technical expertise to develop experimental designs, protocols and analysis workflows.
Prepare proposals for relevant grant funding applications.
Foster collaborations with other academic institutions and industry partners.
Adhere to all general hospital and laboratory policies and other directives as issued.
Comply with all safety regulations and infection control policies/procedures stipulated by the laboratory/institute.
Help promote a working environment of collegiality and teamwork.
Any other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

What we are looking for

Minimum Tertiary qualifications from recognised discipline preferably MSc in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, or related fields.
Experience in computational analysis would be an advantage.
Experience in infectious disease research would be an advantage.
Prior experience in publication of research findings would be an advantage.
Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
Astute critical thinking skills and willingness to learn.

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

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.