Principal Research Officer – Arthropod Ecology Section (Contract)

[What the role is]

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated scientist to expand and strengthen the vector-borne disease research programme at the National Environment Agency’s Environmental Health Institute (NEA-EHI).

[What you will be working on]

What you will be working on:

• Advance EHI's biosurveillance programme focusing on sandflies, biting midges, and fleas
• Conduct research to improve understanding of diversity, distribution, population dynamics, and ecology of target arthropods
• Assess and manage public health risks posed by biting arthropods through evidence-based research
• Provide strategic scientific guidance and oversight for research programmes
• Contribute to studies supporting Singapore's vector surveillance and control programme
• Conduct high-quality research that advances scientific understanding in the field
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals to share knowledge with the broader scientific community

[What we are looking for]

What we are looking for:

• Postgraduate qualification (Masters or PhD) in entomology, zoology, biology or a related life-science discipline;  with formal training or applied experience in medical or public health entomology
• At least 3 years of relevant research experience with demonstrated expertise in the biology, ecology, and surveillance of sandflies, biting midges, and/or fleas, including an understanding of their public health significance
• Proven hands-on experience in field surveillance and vector identification, including morphological taxonomy and molecular approaches such as DNA barcoding, supported by an established track record of high-quality scientific publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals   
• Proficiency in biostatistics and statistical software (e.g. SPSS, R) with demonstrated ability to lead complex analytical approaches
• Demonstrated capability in leading research projects or programmes, including strategic planning, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, and mentorship of junior staff
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Adaptability and resilience to operate effectively in a fast-paced, operationally linked research environment
• Willingness to work staggered hours including after-office hours, weekends or public holidays when operational needs arise
• Experience in insect colony establishment and maintenance and/or vector–pathogen interaction studies preferred
• Experience in insecticide resistance monitoring, evaluation of novel control methods, or biological control approaches for sandflies, biting midges and/or fleas preferred
• Familiarity with emerging technologies applied to vector surveillance, such as remote sensing, GIS-based analyses, or artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools preferred