Assistant Director, Advanced Manufacturing Cluster

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR Science and Engineering Research Council in Singapore is seeking an Assistant Director to shape technology strategy and manage research programmes across advanced manufacturing domains.

The role involves coordinating engagements with research institutes, public agencies, and industry partners to align initiatives with national priorities and deliver impactful results.

Qualifications

• Background in engineering, physical sciences or related discipline.
• Experience in developing technology strategies or R&D programmes.
• Ability to present recommendations to decision makers.
• Ability to collaborate with researchers, public agencies, institutes of higher learning and industry partners.

Responsibilities

• Strategy and planning: conduct technology foresighting, landscape reviews and benchmarking.
• Programme development: assess needs, define objectives, engage stakeholders and prepare proposals.
• Programme and portfolio management: coordinate governance, monitor progress, track resources and milestones.
• Stakeholder engagement: work with institutes, public agencies, learning institutions and industry partners to align objectives.
• Management support: prepare briefing papers, presentations and reports; coordinate governance meetings and portfolio reviews.
• Special projects: support cross-cutting initiatives and inter-agency projects as required.

Skills

Strategy development

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Portfolio management

Policy alignment

Education

Engineering/Physical sciences background

Job description

About A*STAR Science and Engineering Research Council

Science And Engineering Research Council (SERC) Of A*STAR Promotes Public Sector Research And Development In The Physical Sciences And Engineering. At SERC, We

• Support world-class research in A*STAR institutes in a wide range of fields including communications, AI & data science, cybersecurity, modelling and simulations, materials, chemicals, microelectronics, sustainability, energy, manufacturing technologies and metrology;
• Plan and promote research in strategic areas to create knowledge and intellectual property that will drive the development of knowledge-intensive industries;
• Cultivate and engage an extensive network of public sector and industry partners via various programmes to facilitate a seamless flow of technologies from conception to commercialisation.

Job Description

The Assistant Director, Advanced Manufacturing Cluster, supports the Director in shaping technology strategy, developing and managing research programmes, and aligning R&D portfolios with national and sector priorities across advanced manufacturing domains, including:

• Robotics and automation
• AI and digital manufacturing
• Next-generation production processes and manufacturing systems
• Sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing
• Emerging manufacturing technologies

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy and planning: Conduct technology foresighting, landscape reviews and benchmarking. Identify capability gaps, emerging opportunities and strategic priorities, and contribute to sector roadmaps and implementation plans.
• Programme development: Support the development of R&D programmes by assessing technical and industry needs, defining objectives, engaging stakeholders, and preparing programme concepts and funding proposals.
• Programme and portfolio management: Coordinate programme governance, monitor progress and outcomes, track resources and milestones, and analyse portfolio performance.
• Stakeholder engagement: Work with A*STAR research institutes, public agencies, institutes of higher learning and industry partners to gather inputs, align programme objectives and follow through on agreed actions.
• Management support: Prepare briefing papers, presentations and reports; coordinate governance meetings and portfolio reviews; and track decisions and follow-up actions.
• Special projects: Support cross-cutting initiatives, urgent analyses and inter-agency projects as required.

Job Requirements

• Background in engineering, physical sciences or a related discipline, with at least five years of work experience.
• Broad knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies, industry trends and adoption challenges, with the ability to assess their implications for Singapore’s manufacturing sector and develop clear recommendations.
• Experience in developing technology strategies or R&D programmes, including programme design, governance, progress monitoring or portfolio reviews. Experience in the public service or a research organisation would be an advantage.
• Able to prepare concise strategy papers and funding proposals, and present clear recommendations to decision makers.
• Able to build effective working relationships with researchers, public agencies, institutes of higher learning and industry partners.
• Able to learn unfamiliar technology areas quickly, produce accurate work and deliver agreed outputs across concurrent projects and tight timelines.