Scientist (Quarantine & Biosecurity Services) - Contract

at  NPB National Parks Board

[What the role is]
The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of NParks, safeguards the health and welfare of animals through comprehensive and integrated programmes and works closely with partners in the veterinary and animal-related industries to strengthen capacities and enhance competencies in animal health and welfare. It is the main touch-point on animal and veterinary matters in Singapore and the first responder for all animal-related feedback. It also conducts public education and engagement programmes to foster a humane and gracious society for all, where pet owners, communities, and animals co-exist in greater harmony within our City in Nature.
As part of the Veterinary Health Division, you will be responsible for leading the enhancement of current biosurveillance and biosecurity programmes through digitalisation and adoption of technology, providing professional and scientific support for animal and zoonotic disease biosurveillance programmes in partnership with multisectoral partners and the community.
Specific projects involve exploring, developing, and implementing various current and emerging technologies to enhance import and quarantine inspections, aimed at detecting and preventing the spread of animal and zoonotic diseases in animals. In addition, you will be involved in establishing and improving the national system for animal health surveillance, based on data collection from pet owners and veterinary practices.
[What you will be working on]

You will be involved in the following duties:

• Lead biosecurity and biosurveillance projects from requirements gathering through to implementation and evaluation of project outcomes.
• Carry out operational research and associated digitalisation initiatives, including fieldwork and desk research.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to plan, establish and execute new processes.
• Monitor resources to ensure efficient use of resources and meeting project deliverables.
• Engage a range of scientific and lay audience to communicate and collect data, including scientific writing, educational materials, and face-to-face outreach.
• Conduct data collection, validation, curation, and analysis.
• Carry out administrative and other duties as required to ensure daily function of the branch (e.g., procurement and logistics for projects).

[What we are looking for]

• Degree in Life Sciences, Public Health, Veterinary Sciences, Animal Sciences, Biomedical Informatics, or relevant subject area. A postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) degree with research experience and data analytics background is preferred.
• Evidence to demonstrate proficiency in any of the following skills will be advantageous:

• Two or more years of project management experience and managing contracts and financial grants.

• Stakeholder engagement and communications, and ability to foster and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

• Working with disease and health data and ability to analyse, interpret, synthesise, and provide evidence-based recommendations.

• Design thinking.
• Team player with initiative and able to work independently.
• The officer may be required to be based at different centres depending on the scope of work assigned, locations include Animal Quarantine Centre (2 Jalan Lekar), Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine (Airport Cargo Road, Changi Airfreight Centre), and Tuas Operations Command (501 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim).

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Appointment will be on contract basis.

• Lead biosecurity and biosurveillance projects from requirements gathering through to implementation and evaluation of project outcomes.
• Carry out operational research and associated digitalisation initiatives, including fieldwork and desk research.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to plan, establish and execute new processes.
• Monitor resources to ensure efficient use of resources and meeting project deliverables.
• Engage a range of scientific and lay audience to communicate and collect data, including scientific writing, educational materials, and face-to-face outreach.
• Conduct data collection, validation, curation, and analysis.
• Carry out administrative and other duties as required to ensure daily function of the branch (e.g., procurement and logistics for projects)