Director, Bioeconomy Innovation Office

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

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore is seeking a Director for the Innovation Office. The successful candidate will lead efforts to develop a national R&D roadmap for bioeconomy, engage with stakeholders and find commercial opportunities for existing research.

This role requires an advanced degree and significant experience (10+ years) in industrial biotechnology, with a focus on multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive impactful solutions in the chemical sector.

Qualifications

• Expertise in industrial biotechnology and its applications in the chemical sector is essential.
• Experience with Singapore's R&D community and industry.
• Ability to engage multiple stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the national R&D roadmap for bioeconomy.
• Manage R&D projects, ensuring alignment with sector goals.
• Administer grants for funding industry-relevant projects.
• Translate research outputs into commercial opportunities.
• Develop the bioeconomy R&D community by engaging stakeholders.

Skills

Advanced degree in industrial biotechnology

10+ years related work experience

Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments

Experience in multi-stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant advanced degree

Job description

Singapore has identified Bioeconomy as an emerging growth area for the chemical sector. As part of this effort, a Bioeconomy Innovation Office will be established to shape the future of bioeconomy R&D in Singapore. The innovation office will focus on building up ecosystem capabilities related to industrial biotechnology, towards various end applications in the specialty chemicals, agrochemicals, consumer chemicals, etc. Its key mission is to work closely with ecosystem stakeholders such as Government Agencies, the Research community and Industry to position Singapore as a leading global innovation hub for bioeconomy.

Job Description And Requirements

Director, Innovation Office should:

• Have an advanced degree and/or significant work experience (>10 years) related to industrial biotechnology and its applications in the chemical sector.
• Be able to thrive in fast-paced environments and be eager to collaborate with Singapore’s R&D ecosystem to shape timely and high-impact solutions.
• Familiarity with Singapore’s R&D and industry community, and experience in multi-stakeholder engagement preferred.

The PD will oversee an innovation office responsible for the following:

• Leadership on technology roadmapping: Develop the national R&D roadmap for bioeconomy, and set overall research priorities based on the domain strategy approved by MTC EXCO, to ensure delivery of impactful research and innovative interventions that address the most critical technical and operational industry‑defined problem statements on an accelerated timeline. This will be done in consultation with sector and technical leads and ecosystem partners.
• R&D project origination and management: Actively curate and shape projects in line with FI focus, in consultation with local principal investigators and research performers, for submission to the Programme Committee. Have authority, autonomy and accountability for the effective deployment of resources. Ensure activities are developed and delivered to achieve timely, measurable impacts through active project management in alignment with Sector goals.
• Grant administration for funding to industry‑relevant projects, and managing projects and FI review process, with support from A*STAR Office of Grant Administration.
• Research translation: Move existing research outputs toward commercialisation through technology transfer partnerships, facilitating spin‑offs and licensing, and providing recommendations on competitive funding proposals to ensure research alignment with commercial viability. This includes supporting agencies to engage and host companies, to facilitate collaborations with our research ecosystem.
• Ecosystem development: Engage and convene stakeholders across the value chain to stay abreast of market needs and industry signals, and to build the bio‑economy R&D community.