Scientist / Senior Scientist (Chemical Research)

[What the role is]

The Scientist / Senior Scientist (Chemical Research) will be part of the Research and Exposure Science Department under the National Centre for Food Science (NCFS), Singapore Food Agency (SFA). The role focuses on driving applied chemical research and developing advanced analytical capabilities to support SFA’s mission of ensuring a safe and secure food supply for Singapore.

[What you will be working on]

• Lead and conduct applied chemical research to support food safety risk assessment, policy development, and operational needs, including defining problem statements, formulating research hypotheses, and delivering science- and technology-driven solutions with measurable impact (e.g. publications, presentations, technical reports, and regulatory recommendations).
• Develop, optimise, validate, and implement advanced analytical methodologies for the detection and characterisation of chemical hazards in food and environmental samples.
• Design and operationalise non-targeted analysis (NTA) and suspect screening workflows for early detection and prioritisation of known, unknown, and emerging chemical contaminants.
• Support research programmes on microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), including method development, characterisation, and monitoring and surveillance studies.
• Conduct laboratory-based work using advanced analytical platforms (e.g. LC-HRMS, GC-HRMS, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy/microscopy, Py-GC-MS, ICP-MS) to support research and capability development.
• Plan and execute targeted, suspect, and non-targeted screening studies to identify and characterise foodborne chemical risks.
• Participate in national and international collaborations, including inter-laboratory comparison studies, proficiency testing, and standards development initiatives.
• Translate research outputs into actionable deliverables, including scientific publications, technical reports, presentations, and evidence-based inputs for stakeholders.
• Ensure proper documentation of experimental work, data integrity, and compliance with laboratory quality and audit requirements.
• Support laboratory and project operations, including procurement, project coordination, grant management, and research agreement administration.

[What we are looking for]

• Postgraduate degree (MSc or preferably PhD) in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Food Science, Environmental Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines.
• At least 2 years of relevant research experience (higher expectations for Senior Scientist), with a strong publication track record.
• Strong foundation in analytical chemistry, including method development, optimisation, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation such as LC-HRMS, GC-HRMS, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy/microscopy, Py-GC-MS, ICP-MS, or equivalent platforms.
• Familiarity with, or an interest in, advanced analytical chemistry applications such as non-targeted analysis (NTA), unknown identification, data analytics, and microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) analysis. Experience may include aspects of sample preparation, instrumental analysis, data processing, and data interpretation. Exposure to the analysis of complex matrices, particularly food, environmental, or biological samples, would be an advantage.
• Basic programming and data analysis skills (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB); exposure to automation or machine learning approaches is an advantage.
• Strong capability to independently design and execute multidisciplinary research projects.
• Self-driven, highly motivated, and able to work effectively in both independent and collaborative environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to communicate scientific findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Work Location: National Centre for Food Science, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919