Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic and resourceful candidate to drive business development and partnerships at ASTAR Skin Research Labs in close collaboration with the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS). In this role, you will bridge cutting-edge skin research and industry needs to position breakthrough innovations in Biophotonics and Skin Health technologies from our Translational Biophotonics Lab into real-world applications and commercial opportunities. The successful candidate will cultivate strategic partnerships and play a pivotal role in translating scientific innovations into beneficial healthtech solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnerships & Business Development: Proactively identify and attract new strategic industry partners to expand our innovation ecosystem, accelerate commercialization of biophotonics and skin healthtech innovations, and open up niche market opportunities for our technologies.
• Collaboration & Program Development: Work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) and research teams to align scientific projects with market needs. Co-develop collaborative project proposals that maximize the translational potential of our skin health and biophotonics research.
• Technology Positioning & Commercialisation: Strategically position technologies from the Translational Biophotonics Lab for successful translation and commercial uptake. This involves creatively identifying niche applications and commercialization pathways for novel optical imaging, diagnostics, and skin health technologies, ensuring they are aligned with industry trends and clinical needs.
• Relationship & Account Management: Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key industry, healthcare, and academic partners. Serve as the primary point of contact to manage these strategic relationships, ensuring clear communication and mutual value creation. Coordinate cross-functionally (with scientists, institute leadership, A*STAR HQ) for seamless partnership management and project execution.
• Deal Negotiation & Contractual Management: Lead business negotiations and oversee contract development with partners. Work with A*STAR’s legal and innovation support teams to structure win–win agreements, addressing intellectual property rights, licensing, and project terms that protect the institute’s interests while enabling effective collaboration.
• Project Execution & Delivery: Work closely with PIs and the Project Management team to ensure projects with industry partners are well-managed and deliverables are met on time and on budget. Troubleshoot challenges proactively, applying strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail to keep projects on track and aligned with strategic goals.
• Innovation & Market Insight: Continuously analyze emerging trends and market insights in the biophotonics and skin healthtech domain. Use these insights to identify new opportunities and strategic initiatives (e.g. new market segments, product applications, spin-offs or licensing deals) that drive the institute’s research towards real-world impact and translational success.

Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related fields required; candidates with PhD qualifications and relevant domain expertise are also encouraged to apply. Experience in MedTech / Pharma Biotech / Biophotonics would be a plus
• Proven track record in managing complex projects and strategic partnerships, including forging and managing high-value industry collaborations, particularly in biotechnology, medtech, or related healthcare sectors.
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to identify and translate innovations into viable commercial and market opportunities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to navigate ambiguity and help create new markets for emerging technologies.
• Excellent networking and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively across stakeholders, including corporate partners, legal teams, investors, clinicians, and academic collaborators.
• Experience in contract negotiation and familiarity with intellectual property, licensing, or partnership discussions would be advantageous.
• Strong organizational and project leadership capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while delivering high-quality outcomes under tight timelines.
• Demonstrated adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to work independently while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Positive, proactive, and solutions-oriented individual with a strong drive for continuous learning and innovation.