The Role
This is a senior position with a mission, that is to establish and execute a joint research program in Singapore to develop a system for microbial identification using MALDI mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The individual will provide scientific and technical leadership, develop and evaluate fit-for-purpose workflows for system development and validation, and generate reliable evidence to support future research, industrial, clinical, and business applications.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and execute the joint research program to develop a MALDI-MS system for microbial identification in line with agreed objectives, milestones, and deliverables.

Define target microbial species and strains, sample sources, reference materials, and priorities based on research and potential clinical needs.

Develop and optimize standardized workflows for microbial culture, sample preparation, MALDI-MS measurement, spectral acquisition, data processing, and data analysis.

Verify microbial isolates using appropriate reference methods and curate high-quality reference spectra and associated metadata for database inclusion.

Establish database inclusion criteria, quality-control procedures, data traceability, and version-control processes.

Validate the system using independent isolates, evaluate identification performance and limitations, and investigate discrepancies through follow-up experiments.

Coordinate research activities with collaborators, laboratories, and internal stakeholders, including sample access, schedules, equipment use, and data sharing.

Maintain traceable experimental records, prepare protocols and reports, and ensure compliance with applicable safety, biosafety, ethics, confidentiality, and data-governance requirements.

Assess potential research, clinical, and business applications of the system and recommend next steps for continued development and validation.

Job Requirements

Master's degree or higher in microbiology, analytical chemistry, agricultural sciences, life sciences, biomedical science, or a related discipline.

Practical experience with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for microbial analysis experience with Microbial Track or an equivalent microbial identification workflow is strongly preferred.

Demonstrated ability to design experiments, optimize analytical methods, evaluate performance, and interpret complex spectral and microbiological data.

Working knowledge of microbial culture and sample-preparation practices, contamination control, laboratory safety, and biosafety requirements.

Experience preparing protocols, technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications in English and Japanese.

Ability to work independently in Singapore while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams in Singapore and Japan.

Professional proficiency in English and a high level of proficiency in Japanese is required.

Required Competency

Scientific and technical expertise.
Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management skills.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Research planning and project execution capability.
Collaboration and teamwork.
Knowledge transfer and coaching.
Quality, compliance and attention to detail.

General Manager