Principal Scientist (Scientific Lead of High Containment BSL-3 Facility)

Job Summary

A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (ASTAR IDL) is seeking a Principal Scientist (Scientific Lead of A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility) to join us in our mission to be a leading centre of infectious diseases research. A*STAR IDL aims to develop a cohesive A*STAR response to drive and deliver translational infectious diseases research to better health and economic outcomes.

The Principal Scientist (Scientific Lead of A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility) will lead an independent research programme in high-containment infectious diseases while providing scientific leadership to strengthen the research capabilities, scientific programmes and utilisation of the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility. The role will identify emerging research needs, develop new research capabilities and platforms, and foster strategic collaborations to advance high-containment research and pandemic preparedness.

Job Description

• Lead conceptual and technical integration of research programmes leveraging the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility, with focus on high-containment infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness, to provide leading-edge scientific solutions.
• Establish and lead an independent research programme in infectious diseases, while developing research capabilities, platforms and methodologies to strengthen the scientific capacity of the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility.
• Identify and develop new research technologies, platforms, patents and publications to address emerging needs in high-containment infectious diseases research.
• Provide scientific leadership in assessing and prioritising research programmes and projects that leverage the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility, in alignment with scientific priorities and available capabilities.
• Drive scientific utilisation of the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility by developing research programmes, establishing collaborations and attracting high-quality internal and external research projects.
• Develop scientific proposals, secure research funding and establish collaborations with academic, industry and public health partners to expand the research portfolio and capabilities of the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility.
• Manage a dedicated research team and provide scientific and career mentorship to researchers and students, while fostering a collaborative and high-performing research environment.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Immunology or related field as above
• Minimum of 8-10 years of post-PhD relevant experience

Other Requirements (e.g. Skills, Competencies)

• Strong research background in infectious diseases, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and/or genomics, with experience relevant to high-containment research.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead independent research programmes, generate strong research ideas and secure research funding.
• Demonstrated experience in developing research capabilities, technologies, platforms and/or methodologies to address emerging scientific needs.
• Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate scientific opportunities into research programmes and collaborations.
• Strong team leadership and scientific mentorship skills, with the ability to build and lead a high-performing research team.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Good spoken and written communication skills.