Senior Assistant Director (Resource Management), A*SRL

Looking to be part of a high-performing, fun and caring team? Want to contribute to the betterment of public health? Join us as Assistant Director/ Senior Assistant Director of the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS) and A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL).

We are looking for an experienced Grant Administrator to assist the Deputy Director (Resource Management) and Director (Corporate Services) in grant administration and management from both the Grantor and Grantee perspectives. This is a hands-on role for a self-starter where you can expect to follow through on each grant project thoroughly and aim to become the expert in the institute for grant matters, e.g., relating to the SRIS Joint Research Grant and Skin Research Grant.

If you enjoy communication with stakeholders of different levels, are someone who has an eye for detail, enjoys detailed and thorough administrative work, and thrive in ever-changing environments, you are the one we are looking for! Send in your resume, we would be delighted to meet you.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Work with the Deputy Director (Resource Management) for the administration of the grant calls as part of a “Grantor role” which include, but are not limited to:

1. Grant issuance including preparing for roadshows (logistics set up, preparing roadshow slides etc.), sending out emails to announce the grant call, ensuring all relevant documents such as grant info sheet, application form etc. are in place.
2. Administering to the evaluation of grant proposals including issuance of appointment letters to the evaluation panel members, setting up evaluation meetings and ensuring timely renewal of memberships.
3. Post grant call closure matters such as performing completeness checks, collating all complete applications, organizing proposal review meetings, compiling evaluation scores, preparation of meeting agenda, slides and recording of minutes, grant outcome announcement, preparation of Letters of Award, reporting templates, budget schedules etc.
4. Perform the role of “Officer-in-charge” for the Grant(s);
5. Verify and monitor claims for grant expenses for the Grant.
6. Track the progress of the SRIS Grant to ensure timely submission of fund requests, progress and final reports.
7. Check and process post-award grant variations and/ or budget virements.
8. Track number of grant applications vs projects awarded for each grant call; manage funds disbursed/ utilisation to ensure sufficient budget according to approved budget utilization timeline
9. Put in place SOPs for the SRIS Grant pre and post award functions, including but not limited to setting grant criteria, putting up relevant documents, setting up a roadshow, timeframe for call to be open, evaluation panel set up, meetings set up, LOAs, FOAs, approvals required at each stage, timeframe of the entire process etc.

• Work with colleagues and Principal Investigators (PIs) for pre-award and post award management of a full suite of Grants (from A*STAR, NRF, NMRC etc.), from the Grantee’s perspective, which include, but are not limited to:

1. Liaising with funders and collaborating institutions on grant-related matters;
2. Supporting PIs in grant administration and reporting, and ensure compliance with grants terms and conditions;
3. Monitoring project progress and fund utilization;
4. Supporting PIs on budgeting and cashflow projections to facilitate submission of grant applications;
5. Supporting PIs on grant variations such as budget virement, change in scope, grant extension etc.

• Assist in preparation of internal control measures including the required audits;
• Assist in preparation of management reports and presentations;
• Work closely with colleagues to maintain accurate and current records of grant information at all times;
• Put in place SOPs for the management of each type of grant (e.g. NMRC, NRF, A*STAR, foreign grants etc.) from pre-grant call to post grant call
• Liaise with colleagues and A*STAR Finance in project accounts creation and activation for newly awarded grants;
• Provide sec and retariatlogistics support for SRIS meetings and events, including preparation of slides and minute taking, as and when required;
• Maintain records of membership tenure e.g. for Exco member, Steering Committee member, SRIS Researcher/ Affiliate etc, and put up for approval for membership extensions accordingly.
• Other ad-hoc duties, assignments and projects as may be assigned by ED or Director, SRIS and A*SRL.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, or Business Administration, or Life Sciences, or related fields with at least 5 years of relevant experience in grants management
• Experience in budgeting and financial management will be an advantage
• Quick, meticulous, resourceful, and creative problem solver who works well independently as well as in a team and under pressure
• Uses sound judgment and demonstrates initiative in carrying out assigned duties
• Highly organized and enjoys grant administration, documentation, management reporting and administration
• Excellent communication skills - able to clearly and concisely express technical and non-technical information in oral and written form to all levels in the organization
• Strong negotiation and people skills
• Flexibility to adjust and thrive in an environment with changing requirements, schedules, and priorities in a research environment
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, especially in Excel and PowerPoint

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.