Assistant Manager, Research and Partnership

The School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB) hosts world-class education and research programmes in organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering and process engineering and synthetic chemistry. We aim to nurture future-ready graduates with the ability to tackle new challenges in chemicals manufacturing, healthcare, energy, food, and other important sectors.

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic professional to join us as Assistant Manager, Research & Partnership. You will assist the Head of Research & Partnership within the school, in building and nurturing collaborations with academia, industry, and government agencies, while strengthening existing alliances and seeking new opportunities for research, education, and industrial engagement. You will also support faculty in research-related matters, ensure compliance with institutional and national requirements, and drive initiatives that elevate the school’s research reputation and impact. You will also serve as the unit manpower officer (UMO) of the school, overseeing manpower budget planning, hiring and salary allocations for research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Associate Chair (Research) and Head of Research & Partnership in the effective administration and day-to-day operations of the School’s Research and Partnership Office.

• Serve as the Unit Manpower Officer of the School in managing researchers’ manpower budget allocations across multiple research grants to ensure optimal resource utilisation and compliance.

• Review and manage the manpower payroll projections for research grant, including salaries, bonuses, SDL, employment pass fees, and insurance costs.

• Approve and process manpower-related variation requests including new hiring, contract renewals, transfers, position upgrades, ensuring sufficient funding and complies with the guidelines.

• Ensure research manpower budgets and expenditures are aligned with funding agency guidelines.

• Plan and coordinate seminars, industry engagements and other research related events, covering end-to-end event management including logistics, stakeholder coordination, budgeting and on-site execution.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure events and activities are delivered effectively and in alignment with school’s objectives.

• Coordinate institutional grant calls and nomination exercises, including announcement dissemination, collation and timely submission to the relevant offices.

• Provide support to faculty members throughout the research grant lifecycle.

• Manage the research data management to ensure institutional alignment and maintaining appropriate documentation for audit readiness.

• Undertake other administrative projects or responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• A recognised Bachelor Degree.

• No prior working experience is required, though experience in research grant and/or project management, or prior experience in a higher education setting, will be an added advantage.

• Good understanding of the research ecosystem.

• Excellent analytical, problem solving and stakeholder management skills.

• Able to work effectively under pressure.

• Resourceful and independent.

• Proactive and positive attitude towards work tasks.

• Assertive and meticulous.

The School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

Appointment titles offered will commensurate with candidate’s prior work experiences. We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.