Job Description

The Scientific Manager/Officer (NIRBA Operations) provides scientific expertise to support the operational management of NIRBA, ensuring that research governance, operational processes and programme infrastructure effectively support a nationally coordinated RNA research ecosystem.

The role partners closely with scientific teams and central administrative functions to develop efficient operational frameworks that enable world-class research while ensuring compliance with institutional, regulatory and funding requirements.

Research Operations & Governance

• Support operational processes relating to research governance, ethics, biosafety, data governance, intellectual property and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate operational requirements across multiple NIRBA programmes and partner institutions.
• Ensure operational processes support efficient delivery of collaborative research.

Policy & Process Development

• Develop, review and maintain policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines and operational frameworks.
• Recommend improvements to operational processes based on evolving research needs and best practices.
• Promote harmonised operational standards across all Innovation Clusters.

Compliance & Quality Management

• Monitor compliance with institutional policies, funding agency requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Support internal reviews, audits and quality assurance activities.
• Identify operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Research Systems & Data Management

• Support implementation and optimisation of research management systems and digital platforms.
• Facilitate collection, analysis and reporting of programme data and operational metrics.
• Support development of dashboards and reporting tools for programme oversight.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with Finance, HR, Procurement, Legal, IT and Research Offices to support programme operations.
• Coordinate operational support for collaborative projects involving NUS, NTU, A*STAR and external organisations.
• Facilitate communication between scientific teams and institutional support offices.

Training & Operational Support

• Develop guidance materials and conduct training on research governance, compliance and operational processes.
• Provide advice to investigators and research teams on operational requirements and best practices.
• Support onboarding of new investigators and research staff.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, governance and service delivery.
• Benchmark operational practices against leading international research programmes.
• Contribute to strategic operational planning and organisational development initiatives. 

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, RNA Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline.
• Experience in research administration, scientific programme management or research operations is advantageous.
• Good understanding of research governance, funding administration and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.