Assistant Director, Business Development and Partnerships

About SCELSE

The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) is a multidisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence focusing on microbial biofilms and microbiomes for sustainable environmental, engineering, public health and medical applications. It is hosted by both NTU and NUS and seeks to nurture research talent, foster future leaders sustainable urban and natural environments.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic individual to join us as Assistant Director, Business Development and Partnerships, at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE).

Reporting directly to the Research Centre Director, the incumbent plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the Centre's strategic vision with a strong emphasis on translational research and real-world impacts. This includes driving the translation of scientific discoveries into practical applications through collaboration with partners across industry, healthcare, and government bodies. By forging and strengthening high-impact collaborations and strategic partnerships, the Assistant Director helps to enhance the Centre's relevance and contribution to national priorities and supports NTU's broader research agenda. The role also involves providing strategic oversight across research translation, operational management and governance to ensure alignment with institutional objectives. The incumbent is accountable for ensuring the Centre's financial sustainability and operational excellence through effective planning and resource management while cultivating robust stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to advance SCELSE's research translation and innovation agenda, driving impactful applications of scientific discoveries.
• Develop, manage and foster partnerships with government agencies, industry, and research institutions to facilitate collaborative R&D and translational opportunities.
• Ensure strong institutional alignment by coordinating interdisciplinary projects that support NTU's and national research priorities.
• Lead operational governance, financial sustainability and risk management to ensure Centre's long-term effectiveness and compliance.
• Represent SCELSE at national and international platforms, contributing to policy and research dialogues.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative and high-performance culture by mentoring researchers and promoting interdisciplinary teamwork.

Requirements

• Postgraduate degree in Engineering, Sciences or related field.
• Additional qualifications or training in innovation management, entrepreneurship, or business strategy would be advantageous.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in research, innovation, or entrepreneurship with demonstrable impact.
• Demonstrated success in initiating and managing collaborative projects involving stakeholders from academia, industry, government, or international organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong interest in research translation and real-world application.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to drive business initiatives and overcome challenges.
• Proficient in managing interdisciplinary projects with contributions to strategic planning, research governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Prior experience in research or academic leadership roles is a plus.
• Experience in strategic planning, programme development, or policy-related initiatives are preferred.
• Involvement in institutional or national research advisory bodies, innovation platforms, or global R&D networks would be a bonus.
• Familiarity with financial sustainability models, compliance, and research operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently with good analytical, planning and management skills.

SCELSE seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidate will be notified.