Scientific Program Officer

Company description:

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore

Job description:

Job Description

The Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI)is a research-intensive institute dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer and translating discoveries into clinical applications. CSI Singapore brings together leading scientists, clinicians, and industry partners to advance cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment through multidisciplinary research, innovation, and education. Its mission is to foster cutting-edge cancer research that improves patient outcomes and contributes to Singapore's biomedical ecosystem.

We are seeking for a Scientific Program Officer who will support the effective management and execution of our research programmes, ensuring that project objectives, timelines, and deliverables are met in alignment with institutional and funding requirements. This role involves coordinating research operations, managing post-award grant administration, supporting programme outreach initiatives, and facilitating graduate and fellowship activities. The incumbent will work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), research teams, administrative departments, and external stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of scientific programmes and promote the institute's research excellence.

Job Description

1. Programme Management

• Manage a portfolio of research projects, monitoring progress to ensure milestones and deliverables are achieved on schedule.
• Communicate project updates to supervisors and/or Lead PIs to support timely decision-making.
• Organise and conduct regular project review and status meetings with assigned teams.
• Provide guidance and support to project teams in refining work plans, obtaining necessary approvals, and ensuring compliance with grant terms and conditions.
• Prepare and submit applications for IRB, IACUC, risk assessments, and grant virements as required.
• Identify potential intellectual property and risks based on project reports, and assist in technology transfer activities with partner organisations.
• Prepare reports, documentation, and presentations to communicate project progress and outcomes.
• Organise site visits, review panels, or advisory board meetings as required under grant conditions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to streamline operational processes and ensure alignment with institute policies.
• Undertake other programme- or project-related duties as assigned

2. Grant Finance & HR Administration

• Support post-award grant management processes, including task creation in the iRIMS system.
• Track research grant budgets, manage virements, and handle procurement and claims.
• Review and approve project invoices to ensure deliverables and financial scope are met, coordinating with the Finance Team for oversight and compliance.
• Liaise with NUS HR on staffing and payroll-related matters, ensuring accurate fund checks.
• Assist in onboarding new research staff, maintaining staff records and member profiles on relevant platforms.

3. Programmatic Outreach

• Manage research programme membership and generate bibliometric data for reporting and performance tracking.
• Support programme partnerships and collaborations across NUS departments and schools.
• Organise outreach and engagement events (e.g., research workshops, seminars, symposia, and fundraising activities) both virtually and in-person.
• Maintain and update the programme's website, liaising with external vendors where necessary.
• Prepare newsletters, coordinate media relations, and disseminate research highlights and publicity materials.

4. Research Graduate Programme

• Administer matters related to graduate and fellowship programmes under the research portfolio.
• Serve as the liaison with NUS Medicine and the Division of Graduate Studies to coordinate student and fellowship affairs.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD, preferably in Life Sciences, or related field of study. Candidates with equivalent experience may also apply.
• Able to multitask and work independently, effectively and a good team player
• Proactive, committed, creative, meticulous and results-oriented
• Excellent writing and reporting ability
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Good interpersonal skills

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in;

• 2 to 3 years' experience in a similar position of research administrative management involving multiple faculties including but not restricted to HR, Grants budget, Outreach, Finance
• SAP/iRIMS system