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Job Summary

The Laboratory Executive will serve as a central contact for Safety and Operations matter within National Initiative on RNA Biology & Its Applications (NIRBA) labs. This role will be responsible for maintaining lab facilities, ensuring the safety and compliance of lab activities, managing critical equipment, and supporting the needs of research teams. This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring both the operational efficiency and safety of NIRBA’s research environment. We are seeking a dedicated individual who can manage complex lab systems while fostering a culture of safety and compliance.

Operations Support

• Oversee designated NIRBA lab operations and facilities, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations.
• Serve as the primary contact for all equipment and facility issues; coordinate prompt repairs and maintenance.
• Manage cryostorage facilities, including tanks and freezers, schedule regular freezer defrosting, and maintain Temperature Monitoring System (TMS) contacts.
• Conduct regular upkeep and allocation of lab assets, ensuring facility integrity and functionality.
• Plan, assign, and oversee roster duties for lab personnel, and provide support for procurement activities as needed.

Safety Management

• Act as the Safety and Health Coordinator for designated labs, ensuring compliance with all NUS and legal safety regulations.
• Regularly update and maintain safety documents; monitor and assist with license applications, renewals, and terminations.
• Organize safety committee meetings, safety management reviews, and internal audits to prepare for external inspections.
• Conduct safety training sessions, coordinate safety drills, and promote a culture of safety within the lab community.
• Assist in investigating and documenting safety incidents, implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

Administrative Support

• Manage the PPMS software system for NIRBA, CSI, and N2CR core facilities, including invoicing and record-keeping.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by management to support the lab’s operational and safety objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field; relevant certifications in lab safety or operations are a plus.
• Proven experience in lab operations, safety oversight, or facilities management, ideally within a research or academic environment.
• Strong organizational skills, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to handle emergency situations calmly.
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate effectively with researchers, vendors, and external inspectors.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on food trends, consumer preferences, and industry developments to enhance existing product quality and processes.
• Develop and test new product formulations considering taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf stability.
• Conduct R&D trials to produce samples for evaluation.
• Work closely with sales, production, and quality control teams to ensure product success.
• Stay current with food safety, labeling, and packaging regulations and standards.
• Document research findings, procedures, and product specifications.
• Occasionally travel on business trips to provide technical support and training to customers.
• Perform ad-hoc duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Diploma/Degree in Food Science or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong team player with a proactive approach and a positive attitude.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovative problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel overseas when necessary.
• Location: Pandan Loop (West)

Core Responsibilities

Crop Optimisation and Monitoring

Collaborate with the Plant Science Manager to oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the Plant Science department, including both Production and Research & Development aspects.

Work closely with the Operations team and industry experts to determine and implement optimal operational procedures for the farm.

Assist in identifying pests and pathogens in indoor cropping systems, actively participating in the implementation of integrated pest management strategies to prevent losses.

Monitor and investigate issues related to plant growth and development, including environmental conditions, pest outbreaks, and nutrient deficiencies.

Innovation and Technology Integration

Work alongside the Plant Science Manager to identify, evaluate, and implement technologies and solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and productivity of crop production.

Acquire and apply plant science knowledge to improve product quality, yield, and overall operational life cycle.

Research and Development

Research on new product lines, future crops, and potential value-add products

Assist on the design and execution of experiments to determine the impact of specific growing conditions on plant growth and development

Assist in interpreting data and experimental observations to derive agronomic, biological, and physiological insights for meeting production goals

Engage in research collaborations with external agencies to enhance farm production and processes

Planning

Assist in the planning of the roadmap and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) for the Production and Research & Development departments

Contribute to the development of roadmaps for handling current and future crop production

Assist in managing and updating the Plant Science folder and research tracking sheet

Contribute to the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production crops, research tracking and experiment documentation

Evaluate scientific instruments and equipment for potential integration into farm operations

Collaborate with other departments to enhance yield and achieve production and financial targets

Identify new sales and business opportunities to contribute to the company's growth

General administrative work

Any ad hoc duties as required

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum of a Diploma in one of the following or related fields: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Horticulture, Plant Science

Team player with a positive learning attitude and competent in the technical field of plant science

Able to perform physical farming work

Ability to conduct research experiments to improve product quality and yields

Proficient in Microsoft Office especially Word and Excel to generate reports and conduct analyses

Demonstrate ability to handle work professionally, independently and efficiently

Possess effective organizational and follow-up skills, results oriented and pays attention to details

Good understanding or experience of the agriculture/hydroponics industry will be advantageous

https://sg.joblum.com/job/plant-science-executive-indoor-vertical-farm/3198809