Deputy Director / Senior Assistant Director (Project Management)

Job Description

Nucleic acid therapeutics, in particular RNA medicines, are revolutionizing the discovery and development of drugs and vaccines. Singapore has strengths in this area that need to be rapidly built upon and expanded.

NATi aims to drive the R&D of RNA medicines into the clinic, through developing new enabling technologies; partnering with industry on technologies and assets; supporting researchers in their development of RNA medicines; and developing alliances with clinical and regulatory key opinion leaders. Singapore aims to become a world-class hub for nucleic acid therapeutics, which would achieve excellence in research and clinical translation, strengthen resilience against future pandemics, and support a vibrant biotech ecosystem.

The Deputy Director / Senior Assistant Director (Project Management) will work closely with NATi Leadership to plan and implement a national-level programme in RNA medicines that will harness capabilities in A*STAR, universities, and academic medical centers across Singapore.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop a strong team of project managers
• Uphold best practices for governance, compliance, project/risk management, financial prudence, and documentation
• Solicit, evaluate, fund, coordinate, track, and actively manage projects to create a cohesive ecosystem of capabilities that meet objectives on time
• Design and implement process improvements to increase operational agility
• Organize and convene regular meetings with internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to the governing board, the advisory board, external reviewers, lead investigators, and collaborators
• Maintain effective communication and cultivate positive relationships internally and externally
• Contribute to budget planning, financial reporting, secretariat duties, and other ad hoc duties as required

Qualifications and Skills

• At least 5 years of project management, grant administration, programme building, venture creation, and/or related work experience in the public or private sector
• Bachelor or Masters (PhD is advantageous) in biochemistry, biomedical / life sciences, biomedical engineering, business management with experience in a biomedical research environment, or an equivalent discipline
• Certification in project management (e.g. PMP, CITPM) is preferred
• In-depth knowledge of drug discovery and development is preferred
• Outstanding abilities for writing, oral communication, and presentations
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and conflict management skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Proactive team player motivated to deliver quickly and accurately
• Willingness to learn and adapt
• Comfortable with hybrid and remote work