Senior/ Forensic Scientist

Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX)

Permanent/Contract

Closing on 19 Sep 2025

What the role is

The Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) is the first of its kind Science and Technology Agency in the world that brings together science and engineering capabilities across the Home Team Departments to transform the homeland security landscape and keep Singapore safe.
The jobholder will assume a pivotal role within our chemistry team, championing and actively participating in cutting-edge research in the realm of forensic chemistry to provide support for investigation and intelligence to the Home Team Departments. Their responsibilities encompass design, conceptualisation, and implementation of inventive methodologies that transcend conventional frameworks in forensic science.

What you will be working on

The scope of work includes the following:
Research and Development (R&D) Responsibilities:
• Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging technologies and methodologies in the realm of forensic chemistry that hold the potential to revolutionise chemical analysis for various evidence such as toxic substances, materials, and biological samples etc to provide intelligence to the Home Team Departments and other agencies.
• Independently spearhead research initiatives, fostering expertise and instrumental capabilities of various analytical instruments such as LCMS, Mass Spectrometry or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, and validating novel forensic techniques to address the investigatory needs of Home Team Departments.
• Oversee and lead the complete lifecycle of projects, encompassing every facet from concept initiation and planning to execution, milestone tracking, and effective communication across multiple teams.
• Forge collaborations with both national and international stakeholders, contributing to the advancement of HTX's interests.
• Foster a robust network with pivotal stakeholders within Home Team Departments, as well as various departments and centres within HTX.
• Cultivate partnerships with forensic counterparts, academia, and industry peers on both local and global scales, driving the innovation of fresh methodologies, practices, and products.
• Assume responsibility for ethical submissions, including institutional review board applications, and drive corresponding communications.
• Lead and manage a compact team of researchers, offering guidance and direction to facilitate collective progress for senior-level position.
Administrative, Quality Assurance, and Workplace Safety Responsibilities:
• Handle administrative and managerial tasks within the laboratory, including procurement, equipment maintenance, and inventory management, to ensure the smooth functioning of laboratory operations.
• Engage in laboratory quality assurance and workplace safety activities, ensuring rigorous adherence to established quality and safety standards.
• Perform actively in agency's required activities, including trials and training with internal stakeholders.

What we are looking for

• BSc (Hons), MSc, or PhD in Chemistry, Toxicology, Forensic Science, and/or related disciplines.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant industry or research experience chemistry/toxicology
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory/leadership experience in leading teams and managing projects.
• Good understanding and hands-on experience with analytical instruments, in particular LCMS, mass spectrometry (tandem MS and/or high resolution MS), or NMR (1D, 2D and qNMR).
• Proficient in analytical chemistry techniques, basic statistical tools in analytical chemistry, data interpretation.
• Knowledge of research methodology, and practical experience in execution of scientific research projects in academia and/or industry.
• Experiences with structural elucidation of small molecules, identification of unknown substances, and/or unknown and untargeted analysis workflows will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of good laboratory practice or ISO17025 will be an added advantage.
• Enthusiasm for pioneering scientific innovations congruent with the Home Teams' mission.
• Aptitude for establishing an international presence to bolster HTX's reputation, consistently seeking fresh networks and robust collaborations with fellow experts.
• Strong problem-solving acumen coupled with meticulous attention to detail with the capacity to perform under high-pressure scenarios with tight deadlines.
• Leadership experience is desirable.
• Able to address operational exigencies beyond conventional office hours.
* All new hires are appointed on a two-year contract in the first instance and will be assessed and considered for permanent tenure over time, based on performance. As part of the shortlisting process for this role, you may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.
All applicants will be updated on the status of their applications within 4 weeks upon closing of the advertisement.

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About Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX)

HTX is the world's first Science and Technology agency that integrates a diverse range of scientific and engineering capabilities to innovate and deliver transformative and operationally-ready solutions for homeland security. As a statutory board of the Ministry of Home Affairs and integral to the Home Team, HTX works at the forefront of science and technology to empower Singapore's frontline of security. Our shared mission is to amplify, augment and accelerate the Home Team's advantage and secure Singapore as the safest place on planet earth.

About your application process

This job is closing on 19 Sep 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 for other roles within Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) or the wider Public Service.