Professional Officer in Food Analysis

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore’s first University of Applied Learning, offering industry-relevant degree programmes that prepare its graduates to be work- and future-ready professionals. Its mission is to maximise the potential of its learners and to innovate with industry, through an integrated applied learning and research approach, so as to contribute to the economy and society.

The university’s unique pedagogy integrates work and study, embracing authentic learning in a real-world environment through collaborations with key strategic partners. Its focus on applied research with business impact is aimed at helping industry innovate and grow. SIT’s centralised campus within the Punggol Digital District features a vibrant learning environment where academia and industry are tightly integrated with the community.

SIT espouses an applied learning approach and offers degrees with a strong focus on science and technology. Our faculty work closely with industry on translational research and innovation, as well as provide consultancy on solutions to industry challenges. This well-established nexus with industry endows our graduates with deep skills and work-ready training experience.

SIT is also establishing strategic live test beds known as ‘Living Labs’ both within and beyond its Punggol campus to support greater experiential learning and strengthen its applied research offerings. The university’s pool of experts works with multi-disciplinary teams to drive the horizontal technology enablers required to support SIT’s strategic translational research.

The Professional Officers Division (POD) houses a centralised pool of academic staff under the Professional Officers scheme. Professional Officers bring specialised and deep technical expertise developed through extensive industry experience. They provide a critical industry perspective to student learning and applied research, complementing the academic expertise of faculty by translating industry practices and real-world applications into the curriculum.

SIT is expanding its applied Food Technology research capabilities in waste valorisation, sustainable and healthy food, building a cohort of academic staff who are keen and experienced working on industry problems across sectors. Focus areas for applied Food Analysis domains such as:

• • Carbohydrate Chemistry
  • Prebiotics for gut health
  • Proteomic profiling
  • Bioactive compounds
  • Metabolics profiling during or after digestion or cell cultivation
  • Food structure characterisation   

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and teach laboratory sessions and practice-based modules in Food Chemistry, Food Characterisation, and Food Analysis or other related areas.
• Lead or co-lead innovative applied research and industry collaboration projects with industry partners and government agencies.
• Secure and manage research grants to support applied research initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor students in applied research projects, Capstone Projects, and the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP).
• Manage laboratory facilities, equipment, and technical resources to support academic programmes and applied research activities.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Contribute to the development of applied Food Research capabilities, learning resources, and industry-relevant curriculum support.
• Work closely with faculty and internal stakeholders to drive teaching, applied research, and innovation initiatives outcomes.

Qualifications:

• A good Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Food and Biological Engineering, Material Science or a related discipline, with demonstrated experience in Food Analysis and Characterisation of carbohydrate, proteins, polyphenols, or metabolises like mycotoxins to support research or application. Equivalent industry experience may also be considered.
• Desirable relevant industry experience, preferably in a technical role within an organisation driving research and/or innovation outcomes.
• Strong technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Carbohydrate chemistry for structure, compositional analysis including while not limited to starch, oligosaccharide, soluble and insoluble fibres.
  • Knowledge in structure-function relationship of polysaccharides (fiber, starch). Such knowledge can be transferred to ingredient formulation technology which integrated with food processing and food texture.  
  • Proteomic and amino acid profiling, bioactive compounds (vitamins, minerals, polyphenols) and toxic compounds that exist or produced during food processing.
  • Intensive experience and knowledge of operating HPLC, MALDI-TOF and Q-TOF Mass spectrometry, SEC-MALS for biomacromolecule size/shape determination, and NMR spectroscopy for protein sequencing, carbohydrate/sugar analysis, polyphenol and bioactive compound identification.
  • Texture and structure characterisation using equipment such as rheometer, AFM, DMA, TGA, DSC.
• Demonstrated experience applying Food Analysis to the SIT’s Food Technology focus areas.
• Previous experience as lab-in-charge or equipment-in-charge will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated interest and capability in supporting research and academic project work, with the ability to develop software solutions to technical problems.
• Strong supervisory and mentoring skills, with an interest in working closely with students in an educational environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, with the ability to keep abreast of developments in the field. Relevant industry certifications will be an added advantage.
• For senior appointments, demonstrated managerial or team leadership experience may be required.

Key Competencies

• Have relevant competence in the areas of analytical chemistry for chromatographic analysis for carbohydrate (polysaccharide and oligosaccharide), protein, amino acids, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds.
• Passion for teaching, coaching, and mentoring students and junior practitioners.
• Strong analytical and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders especially equipment vendors.
• Adaptability and willingness to work across functions and teams in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivated and committed to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Strong technical writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Good analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to take ownership of assigned responsibilities.