Manager / Senior Manager (Pharmbio Cluster), Biomedical Research Council Full-time

Manager / Senior Manager (Pharmbio Cluster), Biomedical Research Council

We are looking for high-calibre individuals to shape and drive Singapore's R&D strategy in drug discovery and development. This is a strategy and programme leadership role, focused on translating scientific capabilities into economic outcomes for Singapore.

You will work at the interface of science and policy – partnering with senior stakeholders across A*STAR, public healthcare and academia, while engaging industry to understand needs and trends, to define priorities, and build a research portfolio with the potential to deliver impactful initiatives that strengthen Singapore's biomedical ecosystem.

This role is best suited for individuals with strong technical grounding, who are able to engage with good science broadly across domains and translate this into sound judgement, strategic thinking, and outcome-driven execution in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

An Officer in this role will:

• Shape the development of research directions and priorities to achieve A*STAR's mission and goals across our research institutes
• Evaluate scientific opportunities (e.g. programmes, platforms, partnerships) for their translational potential, and develop recommendations grounded in both scientific and commercial considerations
• Design and drive programmes and partnerships, including defining value propositions, structuring collaborations, and ensuring delivery of intended outcomes
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders across research institutes, public hospitals, universities, industry, and government agencies
• Develop a deep understanding of ecosystem capabilities and gaps, and translate these into actionable initiatives and policy inputs
• Oversee portfolio and programme execution, including governance, performance tracking, and resource allocation

Job Requirements:

• Degree or postgraduate qualification (preferred) in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields
• Minimum 2 to 5 years of relevant experience in roles involving strategy, programme management, industry engagement, or science-based decision-making (e.g. public sector, pharma/biotech, consulting, venture, or equivalent), with demonstrated exposure beyond laboratory-based research preferred
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Operate beyond one's technical domain and synthesise across diverse scientific areas
• Translate scientific concepts into strategic and actionable insights
• Engage stakeholders and drive alignment across competing priorities
• Work independently in ambiguous and fast-moving environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to structure and present complex ideas clearly
• Thrives in dynamic, complex situations
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving capabilities
• High ownership, adaptability, and willingness to take on responsibilities beyond defined scope
• Ability to expand sphere of influence through networking and understanding of the local ecosystem