Strategy & Programme Associate (AI in Drug Discovery)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading initiative in drug discovery is seeking a Strategy & Programme Associate to support research activities. This role requires a PhD and relevant experience in coordination and management, providing an opportunity to innovate in AI-driven research collaboration.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant work experience preferred, particularly in research project/programme coordination and admin/ops.
• Demonstrated project or programme coordination experience in research, consulting, or innovation-focused environments.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic planning, resource allocation, and programme tracking.
• Coordinate and drive internal meetings, reporting, and cross-institution collaborations.
• Manage operational tasks such as budgets, documentation, logistics, and scheduling.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Systems-thinking

Proactive

Intellectual curiosity

Education

PhD in bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, life sciences or relevant scientific field

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