Associate Director (Experimental Infrastructure)

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Job Description

About Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT)

The Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore brings together physicists, computer scientists and engineers to do basic research on quantum physics and to build devices based on quantum phenomena. Experts in this new discipline of quantum technologies are applying their discoveries in computing, communications, and sensin

CQT is hosted by the National University of Singapore. The Centre also has staff at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. With some 200 staff and students, it offers a friendly and international work environmen

Learn more about CQT at

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic infrastructure managemen

• Manage CQT experimental facilities, ensure they are in good operational conditions
• Conduct routine checks and plan for necessary maintenance/upgrades based on CQT's evolving experimental needs
• Develop comprehensive plan for new facilities and infrastructures based on CQT's expansion plans.
• Oversee the common experimental budget of the centre, provide consistent and transparent accounting

2. Support for Research and Developmen

• Work closely with researchers to understand their evolving experimental needs, and gather feedback about missing technical competencies/infrastructure
• Access the needs for new equipment/tools for common use are needed to support CQT experimental teams and lead the procurement process.
• Liaise with relevant parties in NUS facilities management team when infrastructure failures occur, support CQT teams in making practical contingency plan.

3. Policy and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the university policies on lab facilities, safety regulations etc
• Foster an effective communication pathway between CQT and NUS facility management team to ensure that our compliances are up to date and any changes/updates are conveyed to the researchers in a timely manner
• Create and consolidate internal SOPs/guidelines to ensure continuity of knowledge and upkeep of operational consistency in CQT's facilities
• Oversee general safety policies in the centre's experimental facilities and assist in developing comprehensive training for new members.
• Manage CQT's fire safety coordination with NUS Fire Safety Manager.

4. Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead a team of CQT technical specialists, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the team.
• Work together with each team member to create clear and meaningful goals and ensure fair work distribution, develop an efficient task management structure to help streamline how researchers submit their requests to the specialists
• Gather feedback from individual PIs about individual team members and perform annual appraisals for them in a fair and accountable manner.
• Liaise with NUS central facilities management and ODPRT, and/or external partners to create an effective and sustainable line of communication.
• Work closely with experimental PIs and provide regular updates as well as organise meetings/discussions

5. User Support and Training

• Develop training programs and resources to enhance technical competencies of CQT students and staff
• Make proactive efforts to fill gaps in the shared experimental infrastructure and expertise in CQT.

6. Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed of the latest developments and practices to ensure the facilities stay up to date in their functions and standards
• Make a consistent and intentional effort to improve the quality and condition of CQT's experimental facilities over time.

Qualifications

. Education and Professional Certification

o minimum requirement of Bachelor's degree in natural sciences (physics/chemistry/Biology) or engineering.

. Professional Experience:

o Minimum 7 years of direct lab-related experience in either research or industry, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role
o Experience in a high technology manufacturing environment would be an added advantage

. Leadership and Management:

o Direct experience in managing medium-sized infrastructure and facilities for research labs and/or industry operations.
o Direct experience in managing a team of technical specialists across different subfields

. Communication and Collaboration

o Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate complex technical information for diverse stakeholders, including researchers, administrators, and supplies/vendors.
o Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, research partners, and external vendors.
o Ability to make clear decisions by balancing potentially conflicting needs from different stakeholders and articulate key considerations involved in the decision-making process.

. Other Requirements

o Commitment to ensure smooth and sustainable operations for all laboratories in the centre
o Ability to respond promptly to critical incidents and participate in after-hours support as needed.
o Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and staying abreast of emerging technologies relevant to the research sector.