Assistant Director, Advanced Manufacturing Cluster

About A*STAR Science and Engineering Research Council

Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) of A*STAR promotes public sector research and development in the physical sciences and engineering. At SERC, we:

• Support world-class research in A*STAR institutes in a wide range of fields including communications, AI & data science, cybersecurity, modelling and simulations, materials, chemicals, microelectronics, sustainability, energy, manufacturing technologies and metrology;
• Plan and promote research in strategic areas to create knowledge and intellectual property that will drive the development of knowledge-intensive industries;
• Cultivate and engage an extensive network of public sector and industry partners via various programmes to facilitate a seamless flow of technologies from conception to commercialisation.

Job Description
The Assistant Director, Advanced Manufacturing Cluster, supports the Director in shaping technology strategy, developing and managing research programmes, and aligning R&D portfolios with national and sector priorities across advanced manufacturing domains, including:

• Robotics and automation
• AI and digital manufacturing
• Next-generation production processes and manufacturing systems
• Sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing
• Emerging manufacturing technologies

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy and planning: Conduct technology foresighting, landscape reviews and benchmarking. Identify capability gaps, emerging opportunities and strategic priorities, and contribute to sector roadmaps and implementation plans.
• Programme development: Support the development of R&D programmes by assessing technical and industry needs, defining objectives, engaging stakeholders, and preparing programme concepts and funding proposals.
• Programme and portfolio management: Coordinate programme governance, monitor progress and outcomes, track resources and milestones, and analyse portfolio performance.
• Stakeholder engagement: Work with A*STAR research institutes, public agencies, institutes of higher learning and industry partners to gather inputs, align programme objectives and follow through on agreed actions.
• Management support: Prepare briefing papers, presentations and reports; coordinate governance meetings and portfolio reviews; and track decisions and follow-up actions.
• Special projects: Support cross-cutting initiatives, urgent analyses and inter-agency projects as required.

Job Requirements

• Background in engineering, physical sciences or a related discipline, with at least five years of work experience.
• Broad knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies, industry trends and adoption challenges, with the ability to assess their implications for Singapore's manufacturing sector and develop clear recommendations.
• Experience in developing technology strategies or R&D programmes, including programme design, governance, progress monitoring or portfolio reviews. Experience in the public service or a research organisation would be an advantage.
• Able to prepare concise strategy papers and funding proposals, and present clear recommendations to decision makers.
• Able to build effective working relationships with researchers, public agencies, institutes of higher learning and industry partners.
• Able to learn unfamiliar technology areas quickly, produce accurate work and deliver agreed outputs across concurrent projects and tight timelines.