Head/Deputy Head/Assistant Head, Academic Research

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a department within the Prime Minister's Office, and we set the national direction for research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) by developing policies, plans and strategies; funding strategic initiatives that strengthen our scientific and technological capabilities, grow our RIE talent base, and achieve economic and national impact; and fostering RIE collaboration in Singapore and internationally. Strong, sustained support for Academic Research is a cornerstone for RIE. Sustained investments in academic research have enabled Singapore to build up a foundation of research capabilities across many critical disciplinary areas.

Responsibilities: A. FRC The Foundational Research Capabilities (FRC) unit will develop and institutionalise a structured process that is able to systematically identify potential peaks of excellence from ongoing research in the Singapore RIE (Research, Innovation & Enterprise) ecosystem and highlight nascent, emerging areas of Science & Technology (S&T) that Singapore should invest in. You will work with an Executive Director to set up project teams comprising scientists from across the Singapore research ecosystem, and support and facilitate the work of the project teams in managing their projects including necessary liaison with international experts. You will also communicate project outcomes to key decision makers. This position will offer a panoramic view of capabilities in S&T across the research ecosystem in Singapore and an opportunity to work with leaders of the scientific research community in assessing the depth of capability in Singapore for selected S&T areas and in making recommendations for future investments in these capabilities. B. CREATE The Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) is an international research campus and innovation hub. Home to a vibrant research community, it houses the research centres set up by top global universities conducting research on interdisciplinary research themes in partnerships with Singapore’s universities. You will be part of a small dynamic team responsible for developing and realising the next phase of the CREATE vision. Your duties will include coordinating the planning, development and implementation of CREATE programmes and working with the international and Singaporean CREATE partners to achieve CREATE’s objectives and goals. You will have the opportunity to acquire deep research programme management expertise. C. GRANT MANAGEMENT The Competitive Research Programme (CRP) aim to develop excellent science in strategic areas. You will be part of a team responsible for planning, implementing and managing grant calls for research proposals. You will have the opportunity to coordinate with research offices in Singapore institutions to facilitate the review of proposals and the management of funded projects. Your duties will also include preparation of pertinent statistical data, reports related to research funding within and outside the organization, reviewing existing funding schemes and making recommendations to improve the schemes to suit the current research landscape.

Background in science and/or engineering or adjacent disciplines, preferably with knowledge of the research ecosystem in Singapore, or post-graduate experience in a research-based environment. Strong interest in cutting edge science, and with a broad sense of perspective. The candidate should also possess strong analytical abilities, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. The candidate should be independent, meticulous, resourceful and able to work in a fast-paced environment. In addition, the candidate is required to write well and be adept in working in a team, with the ability to collaborate well with different stakeholders and a willingness to travel internationally when needed.