Senior Assistant Director, Bioeconomy Innovation Office

A*STAR Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research is seeking a professional to join the MTC Bioeconomy Innovation Office. This role focuses on developing the national R&D roadmap for bioeconomy, managing grant funds, and engaging with various stakeholders in the industrial biotechnology sector.

Ideal candidates will have a background in Chemical or Bioengineering and experience in R&D management. The position aims to position Singapore as a leader in the bioeconomy innovation space, delivering impactful technology applications.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing R&D projects.
• Strong understanding of grant governance and administration.
• Exposure to specialty chemicals or industrial biotechnology.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of national R&D roadmap for bioeconomy.
• Manage grant funds administration and project review processes.
• Engage stakeholders to identify market needs for R&D collaborations.

Skills

Resourceful and able to work with minimal supervision

Strong record keeping

Strong communication skills

Data analysis and documentation skills

Ability to prioritize and manage workload

Education

Background in Chemical and/or Bioengineering

Job description

Job Requirements

Required

• Resourceful and able to work with minimal supervision, independently and in a team
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, manage workload, and deliver results consistently on time
• Strong record keeping, data analysis and documentation skills
• Strong communication and convening skills

Preferred

• Familiarity with R&D grant governance, processes and reporting requirements
• Exposure to or background in specialty chemicals, industrial biotechnology sectors
• Background in Chemical and/or Bioengineering, or other related disciplines

Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity to join the MTC Bioeconomy Innovation Office 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 domain. Its key mission is to work closely with ecosystem stakeholders (e.g. Economic Development Board, National Research Foundation) to position Singapore as a leading global innovation hub for bioeconomy. The SM/AD/SAD will work closely with the Program Director to:

• Lead and develop the national R&D roadmap for bioeconomy, in consultation with sector and technical leads, ecosystem research performers and other relevant public agencies
• Manage overall grant funds administration and direct funding to industry-relevant projects, including managing the grant calls and project review process in coordination with A*STAR Office of Grant Administration
• Conduct active project management with support from A*STAR Office of Grant Administration to track project’s progress against milestones, budget utilisation and recommend interventions such as adjustments in work packages to evolving industry priorities where necessary
• Facilitate and convene PIs of synergistic capabilities to undertake mission driven research to support FI objectives and outcomes. This shall be done in consultation with local principal investigators and research performers via workshops or other appropriate mechanism
• Facilitate the translation of project outcomes into commercial applications through technology transfer, spinoffs, licensing and follow‑on funding opportunities. Activities include supporting agencies in company engagements with aim to promote public‑private collaborations with our research ecosystem
• Engage stakeholders across the ecosystem and value chain to identify market needs and industry demand for R&D collaborations. Activities include organising market‑pull workshops, conducting demand‑led technology scouting and curating cross‑cutting working groups and convening Use Case Forums with industry, research institutions, and public agencies to inform strategic planning and coordination of ecosystem building events
• Support PD in publicity activities and provide secretariat support for the implementation of the FI and reporting updates as required

Individuals who are keen to see technology make a difference in industry and society, and who can handle the diversity and complexity of the business, government and academic worlds, will find a good fit with this role.