Research Officer (Planning & Ops), A*STAR Skin Research Labs

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Singapore is looking for a detail-oriented professional to support asset management and operations. Responsibilities include ensuring laboratory assets are well-managed and functional, coordinating with stakeholders, and maintaining operational compliance. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of experience in laboratory operations or asset management. Proficiency in asset management systems, coordination skills, and the ability to handle physical demands are essential.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant experience in laboratory operations, asset management, or operations support within a research environment.
• Experience with asset sighting exercises is preferred.
• Self-motivated and dependable.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory operations ensuring assets are functional.
• Conduct asset verification and maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders for operational tasks.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Coordination skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Ability to manage routine tasks

Education

Bachelor’s in Science, Engineering, Facilities Management, Operations or related discipline

Tools

Asset management systems

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable professional to support research operations across the institute’s research facilities, with primary responsibility on asset management and operational readiness.

The role will support the smooth functioning of laboratories by ensuring that laboratory assets, equipment, and infrastructure are well managed throughout their lifecycle, while also contributing to broader research operations, business continuity, and sustainability initiatives that underpin high-quality skin research.

Key Accountabilities

The successful candidate will support a broad portfolio of research operations activities, with particular responsibility for asset governance, coordination, and execution.

Asset Management and Governance

• Support laboratory operations across multiple research spaces, ensuring that laboratory assets and infrastructure are available, functional, and fit-for-purpose to meet operational needs.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date asset records across multiple laboratories, including capital equipment, IT devices, and shared laboratory infrastructure, in relevant asset management systems (e.g. PPMS, SATS/FAMS).
• Conduct asset sighting and verification exercises, including reconciliation of discrepancies, follow-up with custodians, and documentation of outcomes.
• Oversee asset tagging, movement, loan, return, and disposal processes in accordance with institutional policies and audit requirements.
• Support asset lifecycle activities, including commissioning, transfer, disposal, insurance coverage, and warranty documentation.
• Contribute to asset-related reports and documentation for management review and internal/external audits.

Operational Support

• Support the institute’s operations, including daily operations, space changes, equipment refresh projects, and renovation or relocation activities from an asset perspective.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and A*STAR corporate partners (e.g. OSFA, IT, Finance) to ensure timely and accurate execution of asset and operations-related tasks.
• Support procurement activities for laboratory equipment and infrastructure, including documentation, delivery tracking, and asset registration.
• Assist with demand aggregation and disposal coordination initiatives.

Compliance, Safety, and Sustainability

• Ensure asset management practices comply with institutional policies, statutory requirements, and audit standards.
• Support environmentally sustainable operations by facilitating reuse, redeployment, or responsible disposal of assets where feasible.
• Assist in Business Continuity Management (BCM) activities by maintaining asset inventories critical to continuity planning and recovery.

Reporting and Administrative Support

• Prepare regular operational and asset management reports and provide administrative support for tasks assigned.
• Support documentation of SOPs and work instructions related to asset management and laboratory operations.
• Provide administrative and operational support for tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements

• A Bachelor’s in Science, Engineering, Facilities Management, Operations, or a related discipline.
• At least 2–4 years of relevant experience in laboratory operations, asset management, facilities, or operations support within a research or technical environment.
• Experience with asset management systems and asset sighting exercises is preferred.
• Detail-oriented, with a systematic and organised approach to data and documentation.
• Good coordination and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and able to manage routine operational tasks alongside ad hoc requests.
• A collaborative team player with a positive attitude and willingness to support operational priorities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including handling and lifting of laboratory equipment and assets, in compliance with institutional safety and workplace health requirements