Location:
Singapore
Department:
R&D / Diagnostics
Employment Type:
Full‐time
Reports To:
Head of R&D (or delegate)
Company Overview
Forte Biotech develops
field‐deployable molecular diagnostics
for aquaculture.
Our RAPID platform uses
LAMP/qPCR
chemistry to detect prawn pathogens (e.g.,
WSSV, EHP, AHPND ) on‐site within an hour, enabling proactive farm decisions across Southeast Asia.
Role Purpose
Own upstream
nucleic‐acid extraction
and downstream
assay validation
to deliver robust, room‐temperature‐friendly workflows that perform reliably on real farm matrices (shrimp tissue, faeces, pond water).
Translate outsourced primer designs into validated assays integrated with RAPID devices (RAPID / RAPID Plus / RAPID Max / RAPID Pro).
Key Responsibilities
A.
Nucleic‐Acid Extraction
Develop and optimise DNA/RNA extraction protocols across matrices with a target
≤60‐minute
end‐to‐end workflow.
Mitigate
matrix inhibition
(e.g., magnetic‐bead clean‐ups, spin‐column variants, buffer optimisation).
Generate SOPs, batch records, QC checklists; maintain controlled revisions for tech transfer.
B.
Assay Validation (LAMP/qPCR)
Convert outsourced primer sets into working assays: screen conditions, define positivity thresholds, and execute
LoD , specificity, repeatability, and cross‐reactivity studies.
Run
spike‐and‐recovery
and field‐sample studies on multiple matrices; benchmark vs qPCR where applicable.
Deliver clear validation reports with plots/tables and go/no‐go criteria.
C.
Productisation & Stability
Propose reagent and workflow improvements (e.g.,
lyophilisation
feasibility, buffer stabilisers, room‐temperature storage).
Support accelerated/real‐time
stability studies ; help define shelf‐life and storage labels.
Contribute to
BOM
and manufacturing work instructions.
D.
Device–Chemistry Integration
Align assay parameters with RAPID device settings (heater/reader profiles, signal thresholds) for consistent field readouts.
Provide inputs for user interpretation (positive/negative/invalid) and troubleshooting trees.
E.
Quality, Documentation & Compliance
Maintain high‐quality ELN entries and data integrity; prepare ISO‐aligned documentation.
Assist with
incoming QC
for key reagents and with
batch release criteria .
F.
Cross‐Functional Support
Train operations/field teams; support pilot deployments with partners (hatcheries, feed mills, labs).
Investigate customer escalations; convert findings into protocol updates.
Minimum Qualifications
Degree in
Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry
or related field (Master’s preferred for Scientist level).
Hands‐on experience with
DNA/RNA extraction
and
qPCR ; familiarity with
LAMP
is advantageous.
Strong documentation skills (SOPs/ELN) and working knowledge of basic statistics for assay evaluation.
Experience Bands
Junior Scientist
0–2 years relevant industry/academic experience.
Demonstrated lab competence; ready to learn LAMP specifics quickly.
Scientist
3–5+ years relevant experience in diagnostics or molecular assay development.
Proven record of optimisation/validation in inhibitor‐rich samples and contribution to productisation or stability studies.
Nice‐to‐Have
Experience with
magnetic‐bead
extraction, inhibitor‐rich matrices, or
lyophilised
reagent systems.
Exposure to
point‐of‐care
diagnostics or veterinary/aquaculture samples.
Basic scripting for data tidying (Excel/Python/R) and familiarity with DoE.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience (Junior Scientist).
Medical benefits, paid leave, and performance‐linked incentives.
Learning budget and opportunities to publish/present where appropriate.
Equal Opportunity:
Forte Biotech is an equal opportunity employer.
We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or age.
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