Strategy & Programme Associate (AI in Drug Discovery)

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national initiative at A*STAR seeks a Strategy & Programme Associate to enhance drug discovery through AI. This role involves supporting strategic projects, coordinating research activities, and engaging with partners in a dynamic research environment. Ideal for candidates with a strong scientific foundation and project coordination skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant scientific field required.
• 2-4 years of experience in project/programme coordination preferred.
• Excellent writing ability and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic planning and resource allocation to meet operational goals.
• Manage operational tasks including budgets and documentation.
• Coordinate internal meetings and track project milestones.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Interpersonal Skills

Project Coordination

Education

PhD in bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, life sciences

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

The AI-driven Drug Discovery (AIDD) programme, a national initiative funded by the National Research Foundation and hosted by A*STAR, is seeking a Strategy & Programme Associate to support its mission to transform drug discovery through AI and data science. This role is ideal for an early-career professional with a strong scientific foundation, sharp analytical thinking, and the ambition to contribute beyond traditional administrative functions.

As part of the AIDD core team, you will work closely with scientific leads and ecosystem partners to coordinate research activities, support strategic projects, and help shape partnerships. You will start by delivering high-quality operational and programme administrative support, with opportunities to grow into roles involving strategic planning, business development, and stakeholder engagement. We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, translational research environment with intellectual curiosity, drive, and the ability to learn quickly.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support strategic planning, resource allocation, and programme tracking to ensure scientific and operational goals are met
• Work alongside the management team and scientific and technical leads to monitor milestones, align priorities, and manage research and innovation deliverables
• Coordinate and drive internal meetings, reporting, and cross-institution collaborations, ensuring projects stay on track and risks are addressed early
• Manage operational tasks such as budgets, documentation, logistics, and scheduling, while maintaining a systems-thinking approach
• Assist in ecosystem mapping and partner engagement (e.g. industry, academia, government), including preparing presentations and reports
• Support the administration of extramural funding, including managing the application and review processes, coordinating disbursement, and ensuring compliance with governance requirements
• Track and support reporting requirements for both internal and external funded projects, working closely with research performers and institutional administrators

Requirements:

• PhD in bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, life sciences or relevant scientific field
• 2-4 years of relevant work experience preferred, particularly in research project/programme coordination and admin/ops, including managing project budgets
• Familiarity with tools such as MS Project, Excel, or other project management systems is an advantage
• Exposure to or interest in translational research, AI/ML in biology, or the biotech/pharma landscape
• Demonstrated project or programme coordination experience in research, consulting, or innovation-focused environments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; strong writing ability is a must
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proactive, intellectually curious and adaptable
• Experience in admin ops, budgeting and grants management is a plus