Assistant Director, Innovation

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Contract

Closing on 16 Sep 2025

What the role is

The Innovation & Enterprise Group drives the translation of research into impactful outcomes by overseeing innovation and enterprise activities across A*STAR's research entities. We work closely with industry partners, public agencies, and academia to catalyze commercialization, foster public-private partnerships, and align research capabilities with national priorities.
We are seeking highly motivated and adaptable professionals to join our Planning team, which plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives and resource planning for the Group and reports directly to the senior management.

What you will be working on

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovation and enterprise strategies that align with Singapore's economic and national R&D agenda.

• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, funding initiatives, and performance indicators.

• Engage and collaborate with stakeholders across A*STAR, industry, academia, and government agencies to drive innovation outcomes.

• Monitor and rationalize resource allocation within the Innovation & Enterprise Group to ensure optimal impact.

• Support senior management in strategic platforms, including engagements with companies, public sector agencies, and national research platforms.

• Lead or contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives that advance the Group's mission.

What we are looking for

Job Requirements

• At least 5 - 8 years of relevant experience in strategic planning, corporate development, innovation management, or industry engagement, preferably in sectors such as Semiconductor, Connectivity, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech, Pharmaceuticals, Medtech or Energy and Chemicals.

• Proven track record in industry collaboration, technology commercialization, or public-private partnerships.

• Strong understanding of Singapore's R&D ecosystem, innovation policies, and enterprise development landscape.

• Demonstrated agility and resilience in navigating complex and fast-evolving environments.

• Ability to work effectively in dynamic, cross-disciplinary teams, and manage multiple priorities with clarity and focus.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.

• Impact-driven mindset, with a passion for translating R&D investments into meaningful economic and societal outcomes.

• Proficiency in using business intelligence, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, ChatGPT, scenario planning platforms) to support strategic foresight, planning, and decision-making.

• Meticulous and well-organized, with a systems-thinking approach to planning and execution.
This role offers a unique vantage point into the strategic direction of Singapore's innovation ecosystem. You will be part of a dynamic team that values growth, collaboration, and impact. Opportunities for career development within A*STAR, the wider public sector, and industry are actively supported.
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.

About Agency for Science, Technology and Research

MISSION
We advance science and develop innovative technology to further economic growth and improve lives.
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) drives mission-oriented research that advances scientific discovery and technological innovation. We play a key role in nurturing and developing talent and leaders for our Research Institutes, the wider research community, and industry.
Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore. As a Science and Technology Organisation, we bridge the gap between academia and industry in terms of research and development. In these endeavours, we seek to integrate the relevant capabilities of our research institutes and collaborate with the wider research community as well as other public sector agencies towards meaningful and impactful outcomes. Together with the other public sector entities, we develop industry sectors by:

• integrating our capabilities to create impact with Multi-National Corporations and Globally Competitive Companies;

• partnering Local Enterprises for productivity and gearing them for growth; and

• nurturing R&D-driven Start-ups by seeding for surprises and shaping for success.
Our research, in addition, also contributes to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. These serve to enhance lives in Singapore and beyond.
VISION
A global leader in science, technology and open innovation
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is a catalyst, enabler and convenor of significant research initiatives among the research community in Singapore and beyond. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors, and bring science and technology to benefit the economy and society.

About your application process

This job is closing on 16 Sep 2025.

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 for other roles within Agency for Science, Technology and Research or the wider Public Service.