Job Description

A*STAR is Singapore’s lead public sector agency that spearheads research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology for economic and national impact.

The Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) of A*STAR promotes public sector research and development in the physical sciences, engineering and computing domains, supporting world-class research in A*STAR research institutes across areas including sustainability, transport, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and materials, AI, and quantum technologies.

Through strategic planning and investment in emerging domains, SERC drives multidisciplinary collaborations across research institutes, IHLs, industry and the public sector to build scientific capabilities, create high-value intellectual property and accelerate innovations that strengthen Singapore’s future industries and economic competitiveness. SERC also cultivates a vibrant research and innovation ecosystem by enabling research to translate into impactful technologies, products and solutions, while developing scientific talent and future research leaders.

As Executive Director, SERC, you will be a key member of SERC’s leadership team, shaping and executing Singapore’s science, engineering and computing agenda. You will provide strategic leadership across SERC’s sustainability, energy, transportation (air-land-sea), and future urban-industrial systems portfolios, while leveraging cross-cutting capabilities in data-AI-compute, sustainable chemicals, materials and engineering to develop national R&D platforms, accelerate technology translation, and catalyse new engines of innovation-driven growth. You will drive programme portfolio development and strategy, resource allocation, foster strategic collaborations across the research and innovation ecosystem, champion venture creation and commercialisation, and strengthen scientific and leadership talent. As a senior representative of A*STAR, you will contribute to national policy discussions, inter-agency collaborations and strategic initiatives that advance Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) ambitions.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Set the strategic direction and research priorities for SERC, and develop portfolio of research programmes that are aligned with RIE objectives, national priorities and emerging technology opportunities.

• Drive programme portfolio execution and resource allocation across SERC research domains, ensuring programmatic investments are differentiated, impactful and positioned to create long-term scientific, economic and societal value.

• Foster strategic collaborations across government, academia, industry, investors and the broader innovation ecosystem to accelerate technology translation, venture creation and economic impact.

Research Portfolio Stewardship

• Lead the development and execution of research programmes and technology roadmaps across sustainability, energy, transportation, logistics and related enabling technologies, ensuring alignment with Singapore’s long-term economic, industrial and societal priorities.

• Oversee the performance and strategic development of research programmes and research institutes, ensuring scientific excellence, delivery of impactful outcomes and effective stewardship of public R&D investments.

• Foster multidisciplinary collaboration across research institutes, universities, public agencies, industry, and venture partners to develop mission-oriented programmes, national R&D platforms, and venture-backed growth opportunities.

• Drive the development of national research infrastructure and shared scientific capabilities, including translational testbeds, pilot-scale facilities, and other strategic assets, while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance across SERC’s research portfolio.

• Champion technology translation, venture creation and ecosystem development by collaborating with industry, entrepreneurs, and venture builders to accelerate commercialisation, create deep-tech startups and strengthen Singapore’s future growth engines.

Executive Representation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent A*STAR at national committees, international scientific forums and high-level engagements with government, industry, academia and international partners.

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders to shape national research priorities, catalyse strategic collaborations and strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading innovation hub.

• Serve as a senior ambassador for A*STAR, promoting its research capabilities, translational platforms, venture creation efforts and contributions to national innovation and economic competitiveness.

Talent and Organisational Leadership

• Build a high-performing leadership team by strengthening organisational capability, and a culture of scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration.

• Champion organisational excellence, leadership development and continuous improvement to enhance organisational agility, impact and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving environment.

• Lead transformational initiatives that strengthen SERC’s effectiveness, foster cross-functional collaboration and advance A*STAR’s long-term mission and impact.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of leadership experience in large-scale multidisciplinary research portfolios, scientific organisations, complex R&D programmes, or startup, venture and innovation ecosystems.

• Deep technical expertise in sustainability and energy-related technologies, with strong appreciation of transportation and logistics systems, and the ability to translate scientific and technological opportunities into national, economic and societal impact.

• Strong strategic leadership capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to shape organisational direction, drive transformation, steward major R&D investments, and align research priorities with national and industry needs.

• Demonstrated ability to build and scale strategic programmes, national platforms, institutions or ecosystems that create sustained scientific, economic or societal impact.

• Strong understanding of Singapore’s public sector, RIE ecosystem and innovation landscape, with a proven track record of building strategic partnerships and advancing technology translation, commercialisation, venture creation or industry transformation.

• An entrepreneurial, driven and dynamic leader who can navigate ambiguity, identify emerging opportunities, mobilise diverse stakeholders and catalyse new areas of growth.

• Strong executive presence, communication and people leadership skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders and representing organisations at senior national or international platforms.