Assistant Director, Digital Tech & Computing

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR’s Digital Tech & Computing Cluster seeks an Assistant Director to shape and drive the Data-AI-Compute (DAC) research agenda within SERC. The role blends strategic foresight with active programme ownership, collaborating with ministries, institutes, and industry to translate AI research into national impact.

The officer will strategise and steer R&D initiatives in DAC technologies—AI, Data Science, digital trust, cybersecurity, digital twinning, modelling & simulations, and quantum

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Engineering, IT, Computer Science or related field.
• Ability to think strategically and translate AI research into impact.
• Strong written and verbal communication for decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive the DAC research agenda within A*STAR and SERC.
• Collaborate with ministries, agencies, RIs, and industry to translate AI research into economic and societal impact.
• Lead programme ownership: planning, progress tracking, and resource alignment for AI, data, cybersecurity and quantum computing initiatives.
• Develop technology foresight and masterplanning to align R&D investments with national priorities.
• Coordinate proposals, reviews, and management of R&D programmes across institutes and partners.
• Engage stakeholders to secure support and foster trusted partnerships.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Proactive learning

Education

Engineering/IT/CS degree

Job description

Job Description

The Assistant Director will play a key role in shaping and driving A*STAR's Data-AI-Compute (DAC) research agenda. Sitting within the Digital Tech & Computing Cluster of SERC, this role combines strategic foresight with active programme ownership, working with various internal and external stakeholders to translate AI research into economic and societal impact for Singapore.

The officer will be required to support the strategising and driving of A*STAR's R&D initiatives in Data-AI-Compute (DAC) technologies, such as AI and Data Science, Digital trust technologies, Cybersecurity, Digital Twinning, Modelling & Simulations, and Quantum computing software.

The Officer Will Be Part Of a Dynamic Digital Tech & Computing Cluster Team Which Shapes Public Sector Research And Innovation To Deliver Economic And Societal Outcomes For Singapore Through

• Strategic planning, coordination, and collaborations in digital technology R&D with Ministries & Public Agencies (e.g. NRF, MTI, EDB, Enterprise SG, MDDI, IMDA), Research Institutes, Institutes of Higher Learning, and industry sectors
• Technology Foresighting and Masterplanning to optimise R&D investment portfolio and ensure alignment with national priorities
• R&D programme strategy development, which entails convening relevant public agencies, enterprises, and research entities (within A*STAR and from Institutes of Higher Learning) into collaboration programmes and securing necessary management support and resources for programme execution
• R&D programme management, including tracking programme progress and planning for subsequent technology translation and commercialisation
• Strategic development and reviews of digital research capabilities in A*STAR Research Institutes
• Research proposals evaluation, project reviews and management

Job Requirements

• Background in Engineering, IT, or Computer Science with at least 6 years of working experience
• Ability to think strategically, analyse issues from different angles and devise comprehensive solutions
• Knowledge in a broad range of digital technologies, digital industry, their trends, challenges, and potentials
• Excellent written, presentation and communication skills to articulate strategies to decision makers and to form trusting partnerships
• Proactive learning attitude, attention to details and results‑oriented
• Comfortable with delivering outcomes in complex environments within challenging timelines
• Experience in technology strategy development or programme management roles in the public service or research organisations would be a plus point

What This Role Offers

• Shape national R&D strategy at scale. You will help set the direction of A*STAR’s Data-AI-Compute agenda with your inputs feeding directly into national technology masterplans.
• Direct access to senior stakeholders. You will work closely with Ministries and public agencies (e.g. NRF, MTI, EDB, Enterprise SG, MDDI, IMDA), Research Institutes, IHLs, and industry leaders, building the stakeholder skills that accelerate career growth.
• Influence A*STAR's research capability roadmap. Through strategic reviews of digital research capabilities across A*STAR's Research Institutes, you will help determine where the organisation builds deep capability and where it partners or divests.
• Join a high-performing, close-knit cluster team. You will work alongside a dynamic team of specialists driving Singapore's digital technology agenda, with the autonomy and support to lead initiatives that span across A*STAR's research ecosystem.