Location: Singapore
Department: R&D / Diagnostics
Employment Type: Fulltime
Reports To: Head of R&D (or delegate)
Company Overview
Forte Biotech develops fielddeployable molecular diagnostics for aquaculture. Our RAPID platform uses LAMP/qPCR chemistry to detect prawn pathogens (e.g., WSSV, EHP, AHPND) onsite within an hour, enabling proactive farm decisions across Southeast Asia.
Role Purpose
Own upstream nucleicacid extraction and downstream assay validation to deliver robust, roomtemperaturefriendly 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. NucleicAcid Extraction
- Develop and optimise DNA/RNA extraction protocols across matrices with a target 60minute endtoend workflow.
- Mitigate matrix inhibition (e.g., magneticbead cleanups, spincolumn 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 crossreactivity studies.
- Run spikeandrecovery and fieldsample studies on multiple matrices benchmark vs qPCR where applicable.
- Deliver clear validation reports with plots/tables and go/nogo criteria.
C. Productisation & Stability
- Propose reagent and workflow improvements (e.g., lyophilisation feasibility, buffer stabilisers, roomtemperature storage).
- Support accelerated/realtime stability studies help define shelflife 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 highquality ELN entries and data integrity prepare ISOaligned documentation.
- Assist with incoming QC for key reagents and with batch release criteria.
F. CrossFunctional 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).
- Handson 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 inhibitorrich samples and contribution to productisation or stability studies.
NicetoHave
- Experience with magneticbead extraction, inhibitorrich matrices, or lyophilised reagent systems.
- Exposure to pointofcare 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 performancelinked 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.
