Science Lead (Art Science Museum)

Marina Bay Sands PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Singapore seeks a Science Lead to enhance science engagement through exhibitions and programmes. The role requires a Masters or PhD in science and at least 8 years of experience in public engagement and science communication. The ideal candidate will lead initiatives that bridge art and science, ensuring impactful visitor experiences.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of experience in science communication.
• Extensive network in science and science communication.
• Experience in interdisciplinary cultural projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead science-related exhibitions and programmes.
• Initiate collaborations with international institutions.
• Monitor budgets for exhibitions and programmes.

Skills

Public speaking

Project management

Scientific literacy

Negotiation skills

Communication

Education

Masters or PhD in a scientific discipline

Tools

Marketing and social media

Job description

JOB SCOPE

- Overview of the Opportunity

ArtScience Museum is recruiting for a new permanent Science Lead to join our dynamic and passionate team. This senior role will bring scientific expertise and interdisciplinary vision to the museum’s exhibitions, programmes, and visitor experience.

The post-holder will hold a Masters or PhD in a scientific discipline and have experience working as a scientist or science communicator on public-facing science projects, such as exhibitions, events, or broadcast media. They will have a deep appreciation for arts and culture as a medium for communicating scientific ideas. Ideally, they will have a working understanding of the Art and Science field.

The Science Lead will work across the museum’s teams to ensure that science is embedded in our planning and delivery. They will lead science-related exhibitions and programmes, initiate and sustain partnerships with scientific institutions, and represent the museum in international and sector-level forums.

- About the Museum

ArtScience Museum is the cultural institution in Singapore that explores the intersection between art, science, technology and culture. It is the cultural component of Marina Bay Sands integrated resort. Since opening in February 2011, ArtScience Museum has staged large-scale exhibitions by some of the world’s best-known artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh and M.C. Escher. In addition, we have presented significant exhibitions that explore aspects of science, such as Big Data, paleontology, marine biology, space exploration and quantum physics.

The museum presents exhibitions and programmes on art and science using a combination of intellectual discussion, education, innovative exhibition design and interactive content. Featuring 21 gallery spaces totaling nearly 5000m2, the lotus-inspired building has played host to major international touring exhibitions from renowned museums and galleries, including The British Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum in London; the American Museum of Natural History, New York; Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona; the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo and many others. We also originate and produce exhibitions in-house and run a full programme of education, events, activities and learning opportunities for a wide range of audiences.

- Key Responsibilities of the Science Lead

The ideal candidate will be a senior science professional or science communicator with a strong track record of delivering impactful public engagement projects. They will bring a strategic mindset, creative flair, and deep scientific literacy to the role. Their key responsibilities will be:

i) Strategic Leadership in Science

- Work with the leadership of the Museum to embed scientific thinking across the Museum including working closely with Programmes, Exhibitions, and Visitor Experience.

- Advise on scientific content and interpretation for all museum outputs.

ii) Exhibition & Programme Leadership

- Lead the development of science-related exhibitions, including researching and conceiving appropriate and engaging exhibitions in art, science and the intersections, that reflect the ambitions and vision of ArtScience Museum

- Lead the development of science-related public programmes, including festivals, film screenings, conferences, and educational workshops.

- Coordinate evaluation of new programmes, including collating feedback for data analysis and reporting.

iii) Partnership Development

- Initiate new collaborations with international scientific institutions.

- Maintain and deepen relationships with Singapore-based science partners.

iv) Public Representation

- Represent the museum at science conferences, symposia, and sector gatherings (e.g. ASPAC, ECSITE).

- Speak publicly about the museum’s science engagement work.

v) Project Management

- Oversee exhibition and programme timelines, budgets, and deliverables from concept to installation making sure exhibitions and programmes are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with institutional goals

- Monitor and maintain budgets for specific exhibitions and programmes – including obtaining estimates, raising orders, processing invoices, maintaining digital and physical budget files, and with the support of the Exhibitions Administrator and Senior Administrator of the museum

- Draft contracts for partners in consultation with Marina Bay Sands Legal advisors

- Research loans for exhibitions and liaise with the Exhibitions staff on the preparation of loan documentation, administration of loan requests and ensure loan conditions are met

- Work with the Registrar and Assistant Registrar to facilitate condition and packing reports to museum standards, keeping records of movement and conditions of works and liaise with the Conservator and couriers when necessary

- Ensure high levels of record keeping and organisation of working documents, content files, audio-visual materials, etc.

vi) Writing, Marketing and Promotions

- Write interpretative material for the programmes and exhibitions

- Write and copy-edit labels and text panels for exhibitions and programmes

- Liaise with the Marina Bay Sands Marketing, Social Media and Communications teams to devise promotional publicity for all new initiatives

vii) Work within the Marina Bay Sands Operating Environment

- Work closely with other Senior Managers in the Museum ensuring that teams are communicating on key matters.

- Liaise closely with members of ArtScience Musuem’s Business Development and Visitor Experience teams

- Work collaboratively and openly across Marina Bay Sands, including liaising with Marketing, Communications, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Procurement and other departments when applicable.

- Abide by all Marina Bay Sands processes and procedures and proactively stay up to date about the operating environment

- Have a willingness to work flexibly and be able to work in the evenings and at weekends as and when necessary.

Job Requirements

Education & Certification

- A Masters or PhD in a scientific discipline.

Experience

- Has at least 8 years of experience working in science communication, public engagement, or interdisciplinary cultural projects.

- Has led or contributed significantly to exhibitions, festivals, or broadcast projects that translate science for broad audiences.

- Demonstrates a deep appreciation for the arts and a working understanding of the Art and Science field.

- Has collaborated with creative practitioners (e.g. artists, filmmakers, writers) on interdisciplinary projects.

- Possesses a strong international network in science and/or science communication and a global perspective on science engagement.

- Have experience working in Singapore or Southeast Asia

Essential Qualities

- Is a confident public speaker

- Has attended sector-level forums such as ASPAC or ECSITE

- Familiar with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)

- Knowledge of current trends in science communication and museum innovation

- Excellent English language writing and editing experience

- Excellent organisation skills and impeccable attention to detail

- Excellent communication skills and accuracy in written communication

- Good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive situations with diplomacy

- Proven experience in project management

- Ability to work as part of a team and independently, in an often pressured environment and fast-paced work environment

Desirable Qualities

- A good knowledge of current debates in the art, science or art-science arenas

- Good computer skills

- Experience of publishing in print and/or online