Job Description
Job Title:  Principal Scientist (Scientific Lead of A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility), A*IDL
Requisition ID:  3190
Posting Start Date:  26/08/2026

Job Summary

A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (ASTAR IDL) is seeking a Principal Scientist (Scientific Lead of A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility) to join us in our mission to be a leading centre of infectious diseases research. A*STAR IDL aims to develop a cohesive A*STAR response to drive and deliver translational infectious diseases research to better health and economic outcomes.

 

The Principal Scientist (Scientific Lead of A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility) will lead an independent research programme in high-containment infectious diseases while providing scientific leadership to strengthen the research capabilities, scientific programmes and utilisation of the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility. The role will identify emerging research needs, develop new research capabilities and platforms, and foster strategic collaborations to advance high-containment research and pandemic preparedness.

 

Job Description:

  • Lead conceptual and technical integration of research programmes leveraging the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility, with focus on high-containment infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness, to provide leading-edge scientific solutions.
  • Establish and lead an independent research programme in infectious diseases, while developing research capabilities, platforms and methodologies to strengthen the scientific capacity of the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility.
  • Identify and develop new research technologies, platforms, patents and publications to address emerging needs in high-containment infectious diseases research.
  • Provide scientific leadership in assessing and prioritising research programmes and projects that leverage the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility, in alignment with scientific priorities and available capabilities.
  • Drive scientific utilisation of the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility by developing research programmes, establishing collaborations and attracting high-quality internal and external research projects.
  • Develop scientific proposals, secure research funding and establish collaborations with academic, industry and public health partners to expand the research portfolio and capabilities of the A*STAR High Containment BSL-3 Facility.
  • Manage a dedicated research team and provide scientific and career mentorship to researchers and students, while fostering a collaborative and high-performing research environment.

Job Requirements

  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Immunology or related field as above
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of post-PhD relevant experience

 

Other Requirements (e.g. Skills, Competencies)

  • Strong research background in infectious diseases, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and/or genomics, with experience relevant to high-containment research.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and lead independent research programmes, generate strong research ideas and secure research funding.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing research capabilities, technologies, platforms and/or methodologies to address emerging scientific needs.
  • Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate scientific opportunities into research programmes and collaborations.
  • Strong team leadership and scientific mentorship skills, with the ability to build and lead a high-performing research team.
  • Strong interpersonal, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
  • Good spoken and written communication skills.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.