Deputy Director, Office of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovation

SUTD (Singapore University of Technology & Design); Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology university in Singapore seeks a Deputy Director for the Office of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovation (OAIDI). The role focuses on promoting research initiatives, developing partnerships with industry and government agencies, and managing operational activities. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant academic qualification and have excellent communication and negotiation skills. This position requires a dynamic leader who is independent, adaptable, and a strong team player in multidisciplinary environments.

Qualifications

• Experience with business development and working with industry and government agencies.
• Independent, adaptable, self-motivated, creative, and resourceful.
• Must be an excellent team player with good people skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Director in promoting research initiatives and developing partnerships.
• Manage existing relationships between OAIDI and its partners.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for growth.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Business development

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

About Office of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovation (OAIDI)

Led by Associate Provost Professor Tony Quek, OAIDI at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is a dedicated department set up specifically to drive curriculum, innovation and talent development through Design AI.

OAIDI coordinates university-wide efforts across four strategic priorities:

• Talent Development: Integrating Design AI across all levels of education—from undergraduate to postgraduate and continuous learning. This includes weaving AI into curricula and programmes to nurture future-ready, Design AI-led talent.

• Research: Establishing flagship and sectorial research centres of excellence where Design AI features prominently. These centres will anchor high-impact, interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world challenges.

• Innovation & Enterprise: Partnering with global academia and industry to catalyze innovation through cross-pollination. The goal is to grow a vibrant ecosystem that supports startups, testbeds, and new ventures driven by Design AI.

• Ethical and Responsible AI: Developing frameworks and guidelines to ensure ethical and responsible AI practices, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and accountability. This commitment positions SUTD as a leader in advocating and implementing principled AI solutions.

Key Responsibilities

As the Deputy Director of OAIDI, your role is to support Senior Director, OAIDI to promote the OAIDI’s research initiatives and capabilities and develop partnerships with industry and government agencies locally as well as internationally.

In conjunction with development activities and forming partnerships, you will also assist Senior Director, OAIDI to manage existing relationships between OAIDI and its partners, assisting them in developing and increasing their interactions with SUTD as well as exploring the possibility of providing cash/in-kind contributions to SUTD.

You will support Senior Director, OAIDI to develop and execute strategic plans for growth in the key areas of future communications, security, AI, and corporate laboratories.

Areas of Focus

• Deputy to Senior Director, OAIDI. Acting Director for OAIDI when Senior Director, OAIDI is out of office.

• General OAIDI and lab operations management supporting Senior Director, OAIDI.

• Support Senior Director, OAIDI in strategic planning, business development, relationship management.

• OAIDI Research Grant/Corp Lab Proposals lead project manager:

  • a) Conduct annually and report monthly on SG and global research grant mapping and analysis for OAIDI/SUTD grant proposals strategies for grant award success mainly in AI & Digital Innovation areas. Support Senior Director, OAIDI in strategic industry partners mapping and Corp Lab/Joint Lab proposals for industry funding.

  • b) Lead OAIDI person to draft grant/corp lab proposals and proposal submission project management at OAIDI/SUTD level together with PIs.

  • c) Assist Senior Director, OAIDI in overall governance and performance management of awarded OAIDI labs and programs.

Requirements

• Possess a Bachelor’s /Master’s /PhD qualification, or equivalent experience in a research or higher learning institution.

• Good communication and negotiation skills.

• Independent, adaptable, self-motivated, creative and resourceful.

• Experience with business development and working with industry and government agencies.

• Must be an excellent team player with good people skills and able to work in multidisciplinary groups.