A*STAR’s Strategic Research and Translational Thrusts (SRTTs) are mission-focused programmes in strategic and emerging areas that are cross-disciplinary and of wider strategic interest to A*STAR and Singapore. Set up to address ambitious technological challenges towards impactful outcomes, each SRTT is led by a Programme Director (PD) and is centrally facilitated and supported by A*STAR HQ.
The Singapore Integrative Biosystems & Engineering Research (SIBER) SRTT harnesses synthetic biology capabilities to aid the sustainable transformation of Singapore’s Energy & Chemicals sector with the aim to expand to other sectors. It will initially create a synthetic biology platform for sustainable chemicals and fuels, powered by a unique library utilising the biodiversity of Singapore. SIBER’s vision is to be a premier hub in industrial biotechnology innovation for the energy / chemicals as well as other sectors, empowering Singapore to seize opportunities in the future bioeconomy.
A*STAR is recruiting a Scientific Programme Manager (PgM) to provide scientific and operational oversight to the SIBER team, supporting the PD in all operational aspects of the programme to achieve its strategic goals.
The roles and responsibilities of the Scientific PgM include:
- Responsible for leading and managing the full life cycle of SIBER SRTT by planning, organizing, executing and evaluating from conception to completion.
- Support the PD in the strategy and management of the SRTT – this entails running the day-to-day business operations of the SRTT, and working closely with the Director for Corporate Services, SRTTs to identify and resolve administration / operational matters.
- Ensure successful delivery of project scope and targets while managing project risk, quality, delivery, scope, schedule, and budget to meet the technical deliverables and desired outcomes.
- Establish project lifecycle management procedures and best practices to ensure project teams maintain discipline needed to successfully complete their projects, and ensure compliance to project lifecycle governance requirements.
- Develop and direct project management operations, strategic planning (including securing additional competitive research funding), budget management, and other staffing & operational needs to support the PD and meet the programme’s and A*STAR’s goals.
- Lead, monitor and report the progress of the multiple projects to all internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage and implement project changes and interventions to achieve project deliverables and mitigate risk.
- Monitor, review, and analyse metrics to identify gaps for operational improvements.
- Coordinate cross function solutions to address any issues impeding project delivery.
- Build relationships and interface with key internal and external stakeholders (e.g., A*STAR HQ and RI leadership, external grantors, industry collaborators), and highlighting challenges to key stakeholders for early mitigation.
- Representing the SRTT at business meetings and to external experts / stakeholders in support of SRTT projects.
- Manage agreements such as non-disclosures, research collaboration agreement, budgeting, invoicing and finance related matters based on the respective project scope and data insertion into the CRM.
- Establish the process for IP review which may involve a panel, to encourage the filings of Techology Disclosures and to seek I&E IPM support for any IP fiings related matters.
- To coordinate and support getting the approval of the use of strains and enzymes from the NPL library prior to any grant and collaboration opportunities with the committee.
- Serve as approving authority for allocation of resources & operational matters (e.g., budget, manpower, procurement) on behalf of the PD.
The Scientific PgM is a senior leadership position to support and assist the PD in driving the SRTT towards its desired outcomes and impact. The Scientific PgM will work extensively in a team-based approach within its multidisciplinary SRTT as well as across A*STAR HQ divisions, especially with the A*STAR Research Office, Central Initiative Administration and Central Initiative Directorate.
Job Requirements:
- PhD/advanced degree in synthetic biology, molecular biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, bioinformatics or other related fields
- At least more than 5 years of project management experience in a research setting or product development would be preferable.
- PMP certifications or equivalent will be advantageous.
- Strong leadership skills, good operational and business acumen, driven to deliver stakeholder requirements and project deadlines.
- Extensive experience in writing reports, publications and grant applications will be preferred.
- Strategic influencing skills with experience in stakeholder management at leadership team level; able to set and communicate a strategic vision. Ability to interact with a wide range of people and build strong positive relationships and lead cross-functional initiatives.
- Confident team player and technically motivated to solve problems, innovate and deliver to internal and external customers.
- Prepared to support and train / mentor line functions and individuals where deficits are noted.
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.
