Manager / Assistant Manager (R&D Capability Development)

Established in 2011 in a joint effort by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), SMI develops strategies and programmes to achieve its mission with key focus areas in sectors such as port, shipping and maritime services. SMI charts the maritime research strategy and promotes greater industry-academia R&D collaborations to be undertaken in Singapore. Role and Responsibilities We are seeking for a Manager/Assistant Manager, to be part of our R&D team, to strive towards our Mission in establishing Singapore as a leading global maritime research centre of excellence in Next Generation Port, Smart Shipping, and Green Technologies. You will support the Deputy Executive Director and work with a team of R&D managers to strengthen R&D collaborations between our maritime industry and academia partners. The key responsibilities will include: Strategy Planning · Map out latest developments and carry out gap analyses in science and technologies relevant to maritime domain, and identify new emerging areas for Singapore’s maritime strategic interests; · Develop strategies, initiatives and programmes for the translation, deployment, commercialisation, and internationalisation of maritime R&D through engaging government agencies, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), Research Institutes (RIs), maritime companies and other relevant stakeholders Initiatives and Programmes · Plan and implement R&D programs and initiatives; · Evaluate R&D proposals submitted or led by IHLs/RIs; · Oversee and manage performances of maritime Centres of Excellence and Programme Partners; · Manage awarded projects and budgets, including variations to budget/ project duration/ project-lead, collation of reports, and review of completed projects. Engagement · Engage potential overseas IHLs/RIs to identify synergies, coordinate maritime R&D collaborations, and facilitate multilateral R&D engagements for impactful joint initiatives. · Engage companies in the maritime industry to understand their technology and business needs, partnering with key stakeholders to showcase local R&D capabilities, and facilitating research opportunities by harmonizing industry needs with local R&D capabilities; · Drive partnerships between the research ecosystem and industry, and to catalyse technology commercialisation, focusing on industry collaboration projects and translation platforms in the maritime domain · Plan and organise engagement visits to project partners Other Duties: · Oversee R&D processes to ensure compliance with established funding policies and procedures; · Manage internal R&D capability development and resourcing; · Represent SMI in R&D matters, when required or any other ad hoc duties assigned. Qualification and Experience a. Background in maritime, science or engineering fields with 3 years of relevant working experience b. Experience in R&D strategy formulation, technology fore-sighting / road mapping, technology translation, and/or good working knowledge of the R&D landscape in Singapore. c. Experience with grant governance and administration e.g. funding guidelines or compliance requirements; d. Strong interest in applied science and technology R&D and research community engagement e. Strong basics in computing, data science, and AI applications related to robotic or autonomous physical systems or industry-relevant problems are also welcome Skills a. Proficient in Microsoft Office and grant management software (e.g. Oracle Netsuite); b. Good analytical skills, with an ability to take a strategic perspective when formulating proposals and recommendations; c. Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills for effective engagement of senior stakeholders, partner agencies, IHLs/RIs and companies; d. Proven planning and organisational abilities.