JOB DESCRIPTION
The Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) advances Singapore's biomedical sciences capabilities to deliver economic and societal impact. BMRC shapes and oversees A.STAR's biomedical research portfolio, spanning discovery science, translational platforms, sector-focused programmes and national capabilities within A.STAR's research entities.
The Planning Team plays a central role in defining BMRC's strategic direction, funding architecture and operating model. We work closely with senior leadership to align research investments with national priorities under RIE2030, strengthen sector-facing delivery, and ensure that public R&D funding translates into measurable outcomes for Singapore.
We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join the Planning Team in BMRC. In this role, you will operate at the nexus of science, policy, finance and organisational strategy. You will engage senior management, research institute leadership, corporate functions and Whole-of-Government partners to shape BMRC's strategic agenda and enable effective execution.
This role offers a front-row view of national R&D strategy and the opportunity to contribute directly to major policy, funding and organisational decisions.
Responsibilities
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop and refine R&D policies and strategies aligned with Singapore's economic and national priorities.
- Collaborate across A.STAR divisions to shape and implement frameworks for resource governance, including budgets, manpower, space and incentive structures, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Translate overarching national and agency strategies into actionable plans for BMRC research entities, including portfolio prioritisation, programme design and capability build-up.
- Support A.STAR and BMRC senior management in strategic platforms and engagements with government agencies, research institutions, industry partners and international counterparts.
- Analyse and address complex cross-cutting strategic issues, providing structured recommendations to inform leadership decision-making.
- Lead or support strategic reviews to strengthen BMRC's funding instruments, operating model and organisational processes.
- Develop and monitor performance and impact frameworks, including KPIs and dashboards, to track research, translational and economic outcomes.
- Prepare high-quality reports, briefing materials and communications for internal leadership, governing and advisory boards, and ecosystem stakeholders.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Academic Background
- Degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Public Policy or related disciplines.
- Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. PhD, MBA, MPP) would be advantageous but not mandatory.
Experience
- Experience in research, strategic planning, policy development, corporate strategy or related roles.
- Familiarity with public sector governance, R&D funding mechanisms or biomedical innovation ecosystems would be advantageous.
- Experience in leading projects or small teams is a plus.
Competencies
- Strong commitment to public service and stewardship of public R&D investments, with the conviction that research must deliver meaningful economic and societal impact for Singapore.
- Sound judgement and intellectual rigour in navigating complex, high-stakes decisions.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to connect scientific priorities with economic and national outcomes.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with comfort handling quantitative and qualitative data.
- Ability to structure ambiguity into clear frameworks and actionable recommendations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
- High integrity, sound judgement and a strong sense of public service mission.
- Meticulous, organised and able to manage multiple complex workstreams concurrently.
- Agile and adaptable in a fast-evolving policy and organisational environment.
