The A*STAR National Metrology Centre (NMC) is Singapore’s national measurement institute, advancing measurement science and nationally traceable capabilities to support an innovative, competitive and sustainable economy. NMC is seeking an accomplished and innovative Senior Scientist who can provide independent scientific leadership, build strategic capabilities and deliver high-impact outcomes with industry, government and international partners.

The successful candidate will lead the development and delivery of programmes in stable isotope and advanced chemical metrology, with particular emphasis on traceable gas measurement, reference standards and materials, and digitally enabled analytical systems. The role requires scientific independence, programme leadership, mentorship of scientific staff, and the translation of measurement science into nationally relevant capabilities, internationally recognised services and industry solutions.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Initiate and lead multi-year R&D and capability-development programmes, defining the technical strategy, milestones, resources, risks and measurable outcomes in alignment with NMC and national priorities, particularly in the areas of stable isotope analysis, advanced chemical metrology and gas measurement.
• Develop traceable gas measurement methods and capabilities, reference standards and materials, calibration and analytical services, supported by rigorous method validation, uncertainty evaluation and quality assurance.
• Drive laboratory automation, digitalisation and advanced data analytics, including fit-for-purpose AI and machine-learning applications, to improve measurement quality, productivity, reproducibility and scalability. Translate measurement science into industry and public-sector impact by identifying stakeholder needs, developing solutions, securing collaborative or competitive funding, and supporting technology adoption.
• Build and manage strategic collaborations with local and international metrology institutes, regulators, universities and companies, and represent NMC in relevant technical committees and expert forums.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentorship to scientists, engineers and students; review technical work; and foster a rigorous, collaborative and innovative research culture.
• Maintain laboratory safety and quality systems in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 17034, and relevant regulatory and organisational requirements.

The Senior Scientist will be accountable for the scientific quality, traceability, timely delivery and impact of assigned programmes. The role is expected to generate recognised technical outputs, strengthen NMC’s capability and reputation, develop talent, and create sustained value for Singapore through measurement solutions, partnerships and knowledge transfer.

Job Requirement

Qualification & Field of Study

Relevant professional qualifications or equivalent credentials in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Measurement Science, Physics, Instrumentation, Automation, Data Science, or a related science or engineering discipline.

Candidates should demonstrate an established record of scientific leadership in stable isotope or advanced chemical measurement, and the delivery of multi-year R&D programmes from proposal through completion. Preferably, they should also have experience in measurement uncertainty, method validation and quality assurance under ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 17034 or equivalent frameworks.

Min. Years of Experience

At least 3 years of relevant R&D or industrial experience, preferably in stable isotope analysis, chemical metrology, traceable gas measurement, analytical measurement science or laboratory automation.

Candidates from other measurement disciplines may also be considered if they demonstrate strong measurement-science fundamentals, a sustained record of technical achievement, and the ability to build advanced capability in stable isotope analysis, source attribution, chemical metrology or traceable gas measurement.

Other Requirements (e.g. Skills, Competencies)

Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders, secure collaborative or competitive funding, build strategic partnerships, and mentor scientific staff.

Strong technical expertise in chemical metrology, measurement science or a related discipline, with the ability to provide independent scientific leadership and strategic direction.

Ability to work independently, exercise sound technical judgement, and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders.

Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex measurement challenges, risks and evidence.

Excellent technical writing, presentation and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific matters to technical, management, industry and public-sector audiences.

Proven ability to initiate, plan and deliver multi-year R&D or capability-development programmes, managing scope, resources, milestones, risks, quality and measurable outcomes.

Strong practical experience in stable isotope analysis, advanced chemical measurement, traceable gas measurement, analytical instrumentation, calibration or related fields.

Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, review scientific work, and coach, mentor and develop scientists, engineers or students.

Recognised capacity to grow and sustain a technical domain, shape capability strategy and represent the organisation credibly in national and international forums.

Proficiency in scientific data management and programming using tools such as Python, SQL, MATLAB or R, with the ability to apply advanced analytics and fit-for-purpose AI or machine-learning methods. Experience in laboratory workflow automation is preferred.