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.
National Research Foundation
Deputy Head/Assistant Head, National Research Infrastructure
Permanent/Contract
Closing on 10 Apr 2026What the role is
What you will be working on
NRF's National Research Infrastructure (NRI) Directorate oversees Singapore's strategically important research facilities that serve as national platforms for cross-domain scientific research. The directorate ensures these facilities remain operationally available, relevant, and future-ready for Singapore's research ecosystem through strategic stewardship, enhanced user engagement, and strong international connectivity.
• Be part of a dynamic team to identify and develop new national research infrastructure by engaging with research communities and senior stakeholders, focusing on cross-domain facilities that serve multiple research areas and strengthen Singapore's scientific capabilities.
• Work closely with host institutions to establish new NRIs and oversee infrastructure development, including equipment installation, operational guidelines and management structures, whilst cultivating strong working relationships across the research ecosystem.
• Monitor operational performance of NRIs through regular assessment of maintenance standards, user service levels and KPI achievements. Manage infrastructure lifecycle planning and financial administration to ensure facilities remain operationally excellent and future-ready.
What we are looking for
• Candidate should have technical expertise in science or engineering with 3 to 7 years' of experience, preferably with hands-on experience with analytical and characterisation equipment. Familiarity with research facility operations and project management preferred.
• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with facility directors, research communities and stakeholders from diverse scientific disciplines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail, and a focus on delivering practical solutions and operational excellence in research infrastructure management.
About your application process
This job is closing on 10 Apr 2026.
If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within National Research Foundation or the wider Public Service.
About National Research Foundation
The National Research Foundation (NRF) was set up on 1 January 2006 as a department under the Prime Minister's Office. It was set up to perform the following:
a) To provide secretariat support to the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC), chaired by the Senior Minister;
b) To coordinate the research of different agencies within the larger national framework in order to provide a coherent strategic overview and direction;
c) To develop policies and plans to implement the five strategic thrusts for the national R&D agenda; and
d) To implement national research, innovation and enterprise strategies approved by the RIEC, and to allocate funding to programmes that meet NRF's strategic objectives.
Learn more about National Research Foundation