Program Director (AIDD)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research program in Singapore seeks a Program Director to spearhead AI-driven initiatives in drug discovery. The role demands extensive experience in biotech or pharma, strong leadership capabilities, and advanced knowledge in RNA biology and AI. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative research and industry collaborations aimed at breakthrough drug development.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in biotech, pharma, or healthcare AI sectors.
• Deep expertise in RNA biology and drug discovery.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in AI-driven drug discovery.
• Oversee resource management, process design, and risk management.
• Ensure compliance and monitor performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

International Collaboration

Risk Management

Stakeholder Communication

Technology Strategy

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in Life Sciences, Computer/Data Sciences, or related fields

Tools

AI/ML

Cloud Computing

Job description

The Singapore national program for the utilization of AI in Drug Discovery (AIDD), funded by the Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF) and hosted by the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), seeks a Program Director to lead the multi-year initiative and deliver on its vision. AIDD is focused on developing innovative tools and technologies to accelerate drug discovery, with a particular emphasis on unlocking new druggable spaces such as RNA-targeting molecules. Through AI-driven strategies, AIDD aims to accelerate target identification to lead discovery and advance novel small molecules and therapeutic modalities for next-generation drug development. The program will also deepen industry collaborations, partnering with biopharma companies and stakeholders like EDDC to achieve translational impact.

The Program Director will oversee strategic leadership in AI-driven drug discovery, guiding the program from conceptualization to validation and optimization of drug candidates. Responsibilities include resource management, process design, technology strategy, risk management, performance monitoring, cross-functional coordination, timeline management, stakeholder communication, and ensuring compliance. The ideal candidate should possess a Ph.D. or equivalent in life sciences, computer/data sciences, or related fields, with 10-15 years of experience in biotech, pharma, or healthcare AI sectors, especially in drug discovery. Deep expertise in RNA biology, AI/ML, cloud computing, and pharmaceutical business development is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and international collaboration skills are also required.