Assistant Head, Singapore National Biofilm Consortium, Consortium Management Office

Found everywhere with moisture and nutrients, biofilms are the default mode of life for microorganisms. Clumps that clog pipes and plaque on our teeth are common examples of biofilms. Globally, the adverse effects of biofilms cost billions of dollars every year due to energy losses, equipment damage, product contamination and medical infections and treatments. The NIH estimates that about 80% of all human infections are biofilm-related, with the majority of all chronic infections attributed to biofilms.

On the other hand, Biofilms are nature?s recyclers. They play an integral role in the biogeochemical cycles in every ecosystem on the planet. Without microbial biofilms nutrient cycling would not be possible and the constant regeneration of natural ? and engineered ? systems would cease. Biofilms can also be put to work in industrial and agricultural settings, treating wastewater for reuse, acting as biobarriers to protect the soil from contamination and bioremediating contaminated land and waterways.

A biofilm assemblage can be formed by a singular species of bacteria, but biofilms are mostly communities made up of multiple species of bacteria, fungi, algae and other microorganisms. Scientists are seeking ways to control the behaviour of microbial biofilm communities and microbiomes for sustainable environmental, engineering, public health and medical applications.

Singapore National Biofilm Consortium is fostering collaborative research and translational projects involving academics from different IHLs, local agencies and industry partners. In addition to accessing SCELSE?s research expertise and network, consortium members can participate in training and workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

·          Conducting and report on market analysis in selected life sciences area relating to microbiomes and biofilms

·          Monitoring and analyzing markets and economic trends and indicators

·          Writing reports, curate and present market-related information to stakeholders and academics

·          Assist in organizing consortium events

·          Assist in coordinating consortium?s communication strategy (on market related)

Qualifications

·          Bachelor?s or Master degree in business, finance, statistics, marketing, economics or related field, or PhD in biotechnology, life sciences, engineering, or related field from a reputable university

·          Postgraduate qualification and/or MBA

·          Proven Market Research Analysis experience in life sciences

·          Ability to interpret large amounts of data and to multi-task

·          Excellent knowledge of statistical packages (SPSS, SAS or similar), databases and MS office

·          Familiar with search engines, web analytics and business research tools

·          Excellent inter-personal skills, maturity with an attention to detail.

·          Able to see assigned tasks to completion with minimal supervision

·          Knowledge in microbial biofilms and microbiomes is ideal

·          Excellent organization and communication skills (both verbal and written)