Scientist / Senior Scientist (Research Planning)

[What the role is]

The mission of the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore. As part of SFA's efforts to enhance food security and resilience, the Research Planning & Management Department plays a critical role in uplifting the capabilities of Singapore's Agri-tech research community with the implementation of funding initiatives under the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D Programme, tapping on Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) funds.

The job holder will be part of the Research Planning Department and is responsible to (a) implement the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D Programme and manage the research projects awarded under this Programme, and (b) identify and pursue relevant strategic partnerships with external partners, e.g. through the launch of joint grant calls or utilisation of pilot facilities. By driving these strategic initiatives and partnerships, the job holder will play a crucial part in shaping a robust and sustainable food ecosystem that supports Singapore's long-term food security goals.

[What you will be working on]

Masterplanning, Implementation and Partnership Development

• Analyse and monitor emerging technologies in the agri-tech sector through landscape scans, technology road mapping and stakeholder consultations (e.g., industry, IHLs/RIs, government agencies such as A*STAR, EDB, ESG and overseas thought leaders and experts).
• Conduct technology scans to shortlist technologies with existing research and commercial solutions, and local capabilities to address "make" versus "buy" decisions.
• Analyse patents relevant to the agri-tech ecosystem to prioritise R&D opportunities that Singapore should invest in.
• Secure buy-in and approvals from MSE Senior Management and Political Officer Holders, and NRF to secure funding for R&D focus areas.
• Develop an implementation plan to deliver the next phase of the SFS R&D Programme.
• Identify and pursue relevant industry end-users who could partner SFA for joint grant calls or utilisation of pilot facilities.
• Assess and establish strategic partnerships (e.g. through MOUs/MOAs) with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private-sector investors, industry partners (e.g. farmers, anchor tenants), to foster collaborative growth.

Programme Management and Governance

• Coordinate and manage awarded R&D projects to ensure timely delivery of project milestones and budget utilisation. This includes regular site visits and monitoring of project progress, addressing any challenges faced by the project teams (e.g., changes to staff composition and equipment and timeline) and ensuring projects remain relevant to evolving technology and market conditions.
• Ensure proper governance and documentation for claims reimbursement and reporting of project progress.
• Develop and implement proper governance and documentation that are aligned to National Research Fund Guide and internal financial/procurement guidelines.
• Engage industry players to facilitate opportunities for research projects with promising research outcomes to enter commercialisation.

[What we are looking for]

• Relevant experience in the Agri-tech ecosystem; experience in research policy and planning, project management, technology fore-sighting and/or master-planning is preferred
• Degree in Agri-tech or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines is preferred
• Familiarity with national research initiatives such as the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Funding Plan, and funding schemes by government agencies
• Experience in the implementation of R&D projects
• Experience of working in a complex multi-stakeholder environment and partnership development
• Ability to engage and network at all levels, and work with diverse stakeholders to distil areas of challenges, opportunities and solutioning
• Excellent analytical and conceptual thinking skills, with the ability to frame complex issues, plan, and translate ideas into strategies and plans
• Self-motivated, and possess strong writing and communication skills
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and uncertainty
• Resourceful, proactive and open to picking up new skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work both independently and as a team in a dynamic environment