Singapore Food Agency

Scientist / Senior Scientist (Research Planning)

Fixed Terms

Closing on 03 Dec 2025

What the role is

The mission of the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore. As part of SFA's efforts to enhance food security and resilience, the Research Planning & Management Department plays a critical role in uplifting the capabilities of Singapore’s Agri-tech research community with the implementation of funding initiatives under the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D Programme, tapping on Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) funds.

The job holder will be part of the Research Planning Department and is responsible to (a) implement the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D Programme and manage the research projects awarded under this Programme, and (b) identify and pursue relevant strategic partnerships with external partners, e.g. through the launch of joint grant calls or utilisation of pilot facilities. By driving these strategic initiatives and partnerships, the job holder will play a crucial part in shaping a robust and sustainable food ecosystem that supports Singapore's long-term food security goals.

What you will be working on

Masterplanning, Implementation and Partnership Development

Analyse and monitor emerging technologies in the agri-tech sector through landscape scans, technology road mapping and stakeholder consultations (e.g., industry, IHLs/RIs, government agencies such as A*STAR, EDB, ESG and overseas thought leaders and experts).
Conduct technology scans to shortlist technologies with existing research and commercial solutions, and local capabilities to address “make” versus “buy” decisions.
Analyse patents relevant to the agri-tech ecosystem to prioritise R&D opportunities that Singapore should invest in.
Secure buy-in and approvals from MSE Senior Management and Political Officer Holders, and NRF to secure funding for R&D focus areas.
Develop an implementation plan to deliver the next phase of the SFS R&D Programme.
Identify and pursue relevant industry end-users who could partner SFA for joint grant calls or utilisation of pilot facilities.
Assess and establish strategic partnerships (e.g. through MOUs/MOAs) with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private-sector investors, industry partners (e.g. farmers, anchor tenants), to foster collaborative growth.

Programme Management and Governance

Coordinate and manage awarded R&D projects to ensure timely delivery of project milestones and budget utilisation. This includes regular site visits and monitoring of project progress, addressing any challenges faced by the project teams (e.g., changes to staff composition and equipment and timeline) and ensuring projects remain relevant to evolving technology and market conditions.
Ensure proper governance and documentation for claims reimbursement and reporting of project progress.
Develop and implement proper governance and documentation that are aligned to National Research Fund Guide and internal financial/procurement guidelines.
Engage industry players to facilitate opportunities for research projects with promising research outcomes to enter commercialisation.

What we are looking for

Relevant experience in the Agri-tech ecosystem; experience in research policy and planning, project management, technology fore-sighting and/or master-planning is preferred
Degree in Agri-tech or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines is preferred
Familiarity with national research initiatives such as the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Funding Plan, and funding schemes by government agencies
Experience in the implementation of R&D projects
Experience of working in a complex multi-stakeholder environment and partnership development
Ability to engage and network at all levels, and work with diverse stakeholders to distil areas of challenges, opportunities and solutioning
Excellent analytical and conceptual thinking skills, with the ability to frame complex issues, plan, and translate ideas into strategies and plans
Self-motivated, and possess strong writing and communication skills
Comfortable working with ambiguity and uncertainty
Resourceful, proactive and open to picking up new skills
Good organisational skills
Ability to work both independently and as a team in a dynamic environment

About your application process

This job is closing on 03 Dec 2025.

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 Singapore Food Agency or the wider Public Service.

About Singapore Food Agency

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is a new Statutory Board formed under the ‘Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to oversee food safety and security. The SFA will serve as the single point of contact for public feedback on food-related issues, and strengthen management of foodborne disease outbreaks to protect public health. The SFA will also facilitate more business-friendly regulations with oversight of all food safety policies and consolidation of food laboratory capabilities to deepen competencies in food diagnostics, and research and development in food safety.

Learn more about Singapore Food Agency