Scientist (Lab Safety)

[What the role is]

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is committed to ensuring and securing a supply of safe food for Singapore. The National Centre for Food Science (NCFS) serves as the national reference laboratory on food science, conducting food safety monitoring to generate scientific data for risk assessment and supporting the enforcement of food regulations to protect consumer health.

As a Scientist in the Laboratory Safety Specialist Team (LST) under the Lab Development Department, you will play a key role in supporting the functions and operations of NCFS, including its compliance with laboratory safety requirements and quality management systems. You will work closely with the Specialist Team Leads (STLs) and colleagues within the Lab Development Department, as well as in close partnership with scientists and laboratory staff across NCFS departments, to foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Through these cross-functional relationships, you will help ensure that laboratory operations are conducted in a safe, compliant, and high-performing laboratory environment that supports NCFS's scientific mission.

[What you will be working on]

Laboratory Safety

• Conduct laboratory safety audits and ensure timely follow-up and closure of corrective actions by the respective laboratories.
• Review Risk Assessments (RA) of laboratory work processes to identify and mitigate potential hazards and maintain RA Master List and Risk Register.
• Respond to laboratory safety incidents by conducting investigations, documenting findings, identifying root causes and following up on corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
• Organize and conduct adequate training and re-training program for staff on safety and health related matters.
• Monitor and analyse safety performance indicators, incident trends, and audit findings, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety compliance and performance across NCFS.
• Review and maintain the Safety and Health Manual and develop, implement and periodically review Safety Work Instructions to ensure compliance with regulatory and organisational requirements.
• Manage licences required for laboratory operations under relevant regulatory authorities, including SCDF, SPF, and NEA, ensuring timely renewals and compliance.
• Maintain workplace safety and health records, including vaccination requirements and medical examination status for laboratory personnel, procuring related services such as vaccination programmes as required.
• Serve as Secretariat to the NCFS WSH Working Committee, providing admirative and coordination support, drafting Notes of Meeting in a timely and accurate manner, and diligently following up on all matters arising to ensure decisions and action items are tracked through to completion.

Security

• Administer and maintain the Visitor Management System (VMS) to ensure proper registration, tracking, and management of all visitors to NCFS facilities.
• Oversee the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) system, including routine monitoring, maintenance coordination, and retrieval of footage when required for investigations or security reviews.
• Manage the Access Control System (ACS) to ensure appropriate access rights are granted, reviewed, and revoked in a timely manner, maintaining the security and integrity of laboratory premises.
• Procure and manage safety and security related products and services, maintaining accurate procurement and inventory records in accordance with SFA's administrative requirements, including personal protective equipment and other common safety consumables for the NCFS central store.

Quality Management

• This role offers an opportunity to broaden your expertise in laboratory quality assurance by contributing to NCFS's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Working alongside the team, you will help ensure that laboratory operations remain aligned with accreditation requirements and that quality objectives are consistently met, giving you valuable exposure to the full spectrum of laboratory governance and compliance.

Work Improvement and Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory safety and security workflows through the adoption of digital tools and technology. Support the development and implementation of AI-assisted solutions to enhance operational efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating emerging tools and best practices that can strengthen NCFS's Safety and Quality Management Systems.

[What we are looking for]

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Occupational Safety & Health, or a related scientific or safety discipline.
• Knowledge of Workplace Safety and Health Regulations and laboratory safety practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Co-pilot) and familiarity with database management systems.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across different levels.

Preferred

• Prior experience working in a food testing, analytical, or accredited laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements under SCDF, SPF, or NEA pertaining to laboratory operations.
• Experience in conducting safety audits, RA, or quality assurance activities.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 or other laboratory accreditation standards is an advantage.
• Familiarity with digital tools, data analytics, or AI applications in a laboratory or operation safety context.