Assistant Director / Senior Assistant Director, IP & Intelligence

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research is searching for a professional to join their IP & Intelligence team in Singapore. The role focuses on developing and executing IP strategies to support research excellence and drive commercialization outcomes.

The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree and significant experience in IP, including patent search and analysis, along with excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in relevant disciplines preferred.
• Prior experience in IP-related work.
• Strong understanding of the patenting process.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patent and literature searches across technical domains.
• Analyze results to determine appropriate IP protection strategies.
• Manage and oversee IP portfolios including filing and maintenance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Graduate Certificate in IP Law

Tools

Microsoft Power BI

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

A*STAR's Innovation & Enterprise (I&E) Group helps companies turn research into business results. As part of Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency, we work with local and global businesses to accelerate innovation, scale growth, and strengthen competitiveness in high-value sectors.

I&E enables companies to move faster from lab to market through:

• Partnerships with industry, investors, and researchers to co-develop solutions for real business challenges.
• Licensing and commercialization of breakthrough technologies and intellectual property into market-ready products and services.
• Venture building that nurtures deep-tech start-ups from early concepts to global growth.

Through I&E, companies gain access to cutting-edge technologies, world-class research talent, and trusted pathways to market—helping them innovate with confidence, compete globally, and create long-term value.

We are seeking driven and experienced professionals to join our IP & Intelligence team within Innovation & Enterprise. This role will support the development and execution of IP strategies to enable research excellence and drive commercialization outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patent, scientific literature, and internet-based prior art searches across a range of technical domains.
• Analyze search results and evaluate technology disclosures to determine appropriate IP protection strategies.
• Perform IP landscaping, freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, and due diligence assessments; deliver clear and actionable reports and presentations.
• Develop and advise on optimal IP protection strategies aligned with intended use and commercialization pathways.
• Manage and oversee IP portfolios, including filing, prosecution, and maintenance of patents and other IP rights (e.g., copyrights).
• Support A*STAR’s research and commercialization objectives through effective IP portfolio management.
• Partner with Tech Biz Sector Leads, researchers, academic and industry collaborators, and external patent agents/law firms on IP protection and strategy matters.
• Review and advise on IP-related terms in agreements, including research collaborations, licensing, and project agreements.
• Develop and deliver training to upskill the research, and Tech Biz community on IP concepts, including patenting and copyright considerations.

Requirements

Educational Background

• Degree in a relevant discipline, preferably with a postgraduate qualification (Masters/PhD) in one of the following areas:
• Mechanical Engineering, with specialization in mechatronics, robotics, artificial intelligence
• Materials Science and Engineering, with specialization in additive manufacturing
• Computing / Data Science, with specialization in artificial intelligence
• Graduate Certificate in IP Law, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters of IP and Innovation Management will be an added advantage.

Experience & Domain Knowledge

• Prior experience in IP-related work with a strong understanding of the patenting process is essential.
• Strong experience in patent search and analysis, IP strategy development, and portfolio management.
• Familiarity with IP-related agreements and commercialization processes.

Technical & Research Skills

• Proficient in web-based research, including the use of patent and scientific databases.
• Experience with IP analytics tools and data analysis is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Power BI for data visualization and analytics will be an advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Meticulous and detail-oriented, with a structured and disciplined approach to analyzing information and making sound recommendations.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks effectively.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate in more than one language is an advantage.
• Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including researchers and industry partners.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated, proactive, and confident.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable to changing priorities, with the ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment.