Assistant Director/Senior Assistant Director, Digital Tech & Computing Cluster

A*STAR Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR Research in Singapore seeks an Assistant Director/Senior Assistant Director to shape strategy and portfolio in AI, digital technologies and advanced computing. You will lead strategic direction, manage programmes, and translate research into economic and societal impact, working with ministries, agencies, and industry partners.

In this role you will drive masterplanning, align investments with national priorities, and build collaborations to accelerate technology translation and

Qualifications

• Background in Engineering, IT, CS, Data Science, AI or related discipline with at least 7 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and portfolio development for A*STAR’s Data-AI-Compute research agenda, ensuring investments align with national priorities and industry needs.
• Develop strategic partnerships with ministries, public agencies, research organisations, tech firms and international partners.
• Drive technology foresighting and masterplanning, translating trends into clear research priorities and roadmaps.
• Secure support for new initiatives by convening agencies, enterprises and learning institutes into collaboration programmes.
• Oversee a portfolio of R&D programmes with coherence across initiatives and milestones toward translation or adoption.
• Evaluate reviews of capabilities, identifying areas to deepen capabilities or reposition investments.

Job description

Assistant Director/Senior Assistant Director, Digital Tech & Computing Cluster

Role Overview

The Assistant Director/Senior Assistant Director will play a key role in shaping A*STAR's strategy and portfolio in AI, digital technologies and advanced computing.

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.

Job Description

The officer will lead the development and implementation of strategies, programmes and R&D initiatives across key digital and emerging technology domains, including AI, data science, cybersecurity, digital trust, modelling and simulation, and advanced computing technologies.

As part of the Digital Tech & Computing Cluster team, the officer will:

• Lead strategy and portfolio development for A*STAR’s Data-AI-Compute research agenda, ensuring that investments are aligned with national priorities, emerging technology developments, industry needs and A*STAR’s research strengths.
• Develop strategic partnerships with Ministries and public agencies, research organisations, technology companies, enterprises and international partners to strengthen Singapore’s AI and digital technology ecosystem.
• Drive technology foresighting and masterplanning, translating emerging trends and national needs into clear strategic choices, research priorities and actionable capability roadmaps.
• Build alignment and secure support for new initiatives, including developing programme propositions and 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.
• Oversee a portfolio of R&D programmes, ensuring strategic coherence across initiatives and monitoring progress, risks, outcomes and pathways towards technology translation, commercialisation or public-sector adoption.
• Evaluate strategic reviews of research capabilities (proposals and programmes) across A*STAR Research Institutes, identifying areas where A*STAR should build deeper capabilities, strengthen coordination, establish partnerships or reposition its investments.

Job Requirements

• Background in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, AI or a related discipline, with at least 7 years of relevant working experience.
• Strong understanding of the global and Singapore AI landscape, including key technology, industry and policy developments.
• Proven ability to think strategically, analyse complex issues and translate them into clear priorities and actionable recommendations.
• Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, with strong programme and portfolio management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills, including engagement with senior decision-makers.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with experience guiding teams and delivering outcomes in a fast-moving and complex environment.

What This Role Offers

• Shape A*STAR’s AI and digital technology strategy. You will influence strategic choices and investment priorities across a portfolio of technologies that are increasingly important to Singapore’s economy and society.
• Work at the intersection of research, industry and government. Engage diverse stakeholders to develop initiatives that translate research capabilities into economic and societal impact.
• Influence high-impact programmes. Help define research priorities, build partnerships and drive programmes that strengthen Singapore's innovation ecosystem.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.