Job Description
Job Title:  Deputy Director, Research Innovation & Partnerships (2-year contract)
Posting Start Date:  20/08/2025
Job Description: 

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Deputy Director, Research Innovation & Partnerships, will drive the school’s vision for impactful research and breakthroughs that shape the future of healthcare, by advancing research initiatives and stewardship of strategic partnerships. This role will lead engagements with local and global entities, including academic and research institutions, industry, and philanthropic foundations. The Deputy Director will develop and execute strategies to enhance research, develop innovation, and maintain stakeholder relations, leveraging on scientific, clinical, and entrepreneurial expertise.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Academic and Industry Collaborations

  • Manage collaborative programs with local and international research institutions, including joint research, faculty/student exchanges, and consortia.
  • Represent the school at academic and industry conferences, symposia, and stakeholder meetings to build visibility and attract partners.
  • Support development of multi-institutional grant applications and partnership proposals.

 

Philanthropy and Stakeholder Management

  • Engage with philanthropic organizations and donors to secure funding for high-impact research, innovation, and public health.
  • Establish programs and maintain oversight to ensure research stewardship and fulfilment of funding objectives.
  • Facilitate platforms for patient and public education in funding mission and evaluation.

 

Strategic Partnerships and Business Development

  • Identify and pursue strategic partnership opportunities with industry partners and key opinion leaders for joint research, product development, and translational objectives.
  • Oversee negotiation and management of research collaboration agreements, MoUs, and joint development projects.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for the school’s expansion of global partnerships and collaborations.

 

Innovation Strategy and Ecosystem Engagement

  • Cultivate interactions with innovation ecosystem to identify synergistic opportunities for co-development, investment, or technology commercialization.
  • Mentor and support spin-offs, incubation projects, and entrepreneurial teams emerging from the school or collaborators.
  • Work closely with innovation offices and internal stakeholders to nurture a culture of external engagement, open innovation, and enterprise building.

 

Community Building

  • Promote interactions to bridge science, innovation, and community, advocating for societal benefit and responsible research.
  • Organize and participate in outreach events, workshops, and media channels to communicate the value of the school’s research and innovation.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or related field required.
  • Extensive experience (minimum 8 years) in research, innovation management, biotech/pharma industry, and/or academic-industry partnerships.
  • Demonstrated success in securing and managing external funding, grants, or investments.
  • Track record of initiating and managing partnerships across sectors, including start-ups and philanthropic organizations.
  • Strong cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and project management skills.
  • Experience engaging patient and public stakeholders is highly valued.

 

Desired Attributes:

  • Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate in a dynamic, cross-disciplinary environment.
  • Strategic thinker with excellent networking, stakeholder management, and public speaking skills.
  • Committed to advancing translational impact and community engagement in science and healthcare.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Department : Dean-Med-Research Office

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 30081

Req ID:  30081