NIRBA

The National Initiative for RNA Biology and its Applications (NIRBA) is a pioneering national program dedicated to advancing RNA biology research. Established with support from the National Research Foundation (NRF) under the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore, we unite experts across multiple disciplines to address critical challenges in RNA science and its applications.

NIRBA consists of four Innovation Clusters each designed to address a key challenge in RNA biology. In each Cluster, research teams are assembled from across the three NIRBA Partners (NUS, A*STAR and NTU) to address specific scientific questions. These Clusters are supplemented by shorter term Satellite programmes, put in place where a novel knowledge gap or problem arises.

The Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) will manage the organization, structure and communications of NIRBA as directed by the Executive Director (ED) of NIRBA. S/he will be responsible for the day-to-day management of research initiatives and program grants under the innovation clusters. This role demands strategic thinking, strong leadership, and the ability to manage complex scientific and administrative processes in a fast-paced, research-oriented environment.

For more information on NIRBA, visit: https://nirba.sg/

Job Description

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Work with ED and leadership team to shape and implement long-term scientific strategies aligned with NIRBA’s national mission.
• Provide leadership across RNA biology innovation clusters, supporting emerging research and technologies.

Program Oversight:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of NIRBA’s scientific initiatives and research grant portfolios.
• Oversee progress monitoring, milestone tracking, and delivery of outputs from cluster-led projects.
• Facilitate regular reviews with Innovation Cluster Chairs and provide scientific guidance as needed.

Governance & Reporting:

• Prepare technical and strategic reports for the ED, advisory committees, and stakeholders.
• Lead the organization of scientific advisory board reviews, program evaluations, and strategic planning workshops.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Collaborate with the Finance & HR Clusters and assist the ED to develop and monitor NIRBA’s annual scientific budget.
• Review and approve expenditures to ensure alignment with project scopes and funding guidelines.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Serve as a key liaison between NIRBA, its scientific partners, and national stakeholders.
• Communicate research progress, achievements, and outcomes to partners, funding bodies, and policy stakeholders.
  Ensure appropriate publicity to local and international media

Technology & IP Translation:

• Identify emerging intellectual property and work with Cluster teams, IP committee,  and partners on technology transfer.
• Inform and coordinate communication and outreach teams of impactful results such as publications, patents, and presentations.

Operational Support:

• Provide input to improve internal processes and digital tools that support research and collaboration.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the ED.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, RNA Biology, or a related discipline.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in scientific leadership, ideally within a research funding agency, academic consortium, or biotech research initiative. Relevant industrial experience is desirable but not essential.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale biomedical or translational research programs.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical capabilities with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of RNA biology, translational research, and research management.
• Experience in research governance, reporting, and compliance with grant terms.

Apply here.

Job Description

The National Initiative for RNA Biology and its Applications (NIRBA) is a pioneering national program dedicated to advancing RNA biology research. Established with support from the National Research Foundation (NRF) under the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore, we unite experts across multiple disciplines to address critical challenges in RNA science and its applications.

NIRBA consists of four Innovation Clusters each designed to address a key challenge in RNA biology. In each Cluster, research teams are assembled from across the three NIRBA Partners (NUS, A*STAR and NTU) to address specific scientific questions. These Clusters are supplemented by shorter term Satellite programmes, put in place where a novel knowledge gap or problem arises.

The Senior Scientific Manager (NIRBA Research Portfolio) provides scientific management and programme/ portfolio oversight for NIRBA-funded research. The role ensures that the research portfolio is strategically aligned, scientifically rigorous, and delivering high-impact outcomes.

For more information on NIRBA, visit: https://nirba.sg/

Duties & Responsibilities
Key Personal Responsibilities

• Portfolio Strategy: Manage and shape NIRBA’s research portfolio in alignment with strategic priorities and emerging scientific opportunities.
• Scientific Management: Provide expert guidance on research design, milestones, and deliverables across Clusters and Satellite Labs/ Programmes.
• Research Quality & Impact: Promote excellence, reproducibility, innovation, and translational potential within the research portfolio.
• Reporting & Evaluation: Contribute to scientific reporting for Executive Director, CGT-SC, and other institutional stakeholders
• Collaboration & Integration: Foster cross-project collaboration, data sharing, and alignment with national and international research initiatives.
• Scientific Risk Management: Identify scientific risks and recommend mitigation or course-correction strategies.

Key Team Responsibilities

• Program Management: Monitor progress of Cluster projects, Satellite teams, track performance against KPIs, and support timely delivery of outcomes.
• Funding & Review Processes: Support fund allocations to Clusters and Satellite Labs, competitive grant calls, peer review processes, appropriate fund utilization & outcomes.
• Investigator Engagement: Act as a key scientific liaison with principal investigators and research teams, providing guidance and problem-solving support.

Special Projects

• Undertake special initiatives at the discretion of the ED

Other duties & responsibilities

• Any other duties as assigned by ED

Qualifications

Requirements

• PhD in molecular biology, RNA biology, genetics, biochemistry, genomics, or a closely related field
• Postdoctoral experience strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience
• Experience in grant/ programme management, e.g. budgeting, variation/ virement, progress reporting etc is strongly preferred, ideally from multi-institutional programmatic type grants
• Experience in research management e.g. IRB, MTA, IACUC, GMAC submissions and/ or data governance frameworks etc is preferred
• Excellent writing and reporting ability
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Apply here.

Job Description

The Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI), is dedicated to advancing understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer. CSI’s mission is to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. As the host institute for the NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR) and the National Initiative on RNA Biology & its Applications (NIRBA), CSI fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to accelerate impactful cancer research

CSI is looking for a Scientific Manager to provide strategic administrative leadership and operational support in grant financing administration, planning, and fund management for CSI, N2CR, and NIRBA. The role also supports philanthropy activities and donor fund management to strengthen CSI’s research and institutional development efforts.

Grants Administration

• Lead and supervise the Grants Administration team to ensure efficient and compliant operations for CSI, N2CR, and NIRBA.
• Oversee the setup, management, and fund utilization of WBS elements for all grants.
  Provide financial and administrative guidance to Principal Investigators (PIs) on large external programmatic grants.
• Manage all grant-related matters including budget allocation, virements, and coordination with the Finance Cluster for processing and tracking in S/4HANA.
• Address and follow through on audit queries and compliance issues relating to hosted grants.
• Support PIs in preparing and submitting required progress, appraisal, and financial reports as stipulated under grant conditions.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (e.g., NUS & NUHS research offices, Office of Legal Affairs, Industry Liaison Office, Office of Financial Services, HR and Finance Clusters) and external funding agencies on grant administration, intellectual property, and research collaboration agreements.
• Review and validate reimbursement and expenditure documents issued from RCAs, PAs, and sub-awards, ensuring accurate reporting in collaboration with the Finance Cluster.
• Provide insights to PIs, Core Facility Heads, and Admin Leads on grant budgeting, utilization, and forecasting.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, develop SOPs, and enhance efficiency through collaboration with administrative teams and relevant clusters.

Philanthropy and Donor Fund Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with NUHS and NUSMed Development Offices to develop donor funding proposals and processes.
• Partner with CSI, N2CR, and NIRBA Senior Management in managing donor engagement and new gift opportunities involving internal stakeholders and external donors, including high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Coordinate with Outreach and Graduate Programme teams on donor-funded initiatives and ensure timely preparation of annual gift impact reports.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor cases and progress in the central database.
• Prepare management reports on donor fund utilization to support informed decision-making by leadership.
• Provide administrative support for donor-related events, campaigns, and fundraising activities.

Requirements

• PhD in relevant field (Life Sciences, Biology, Oncology)
• 8–10 years of relevant working experience, preferably in the life sciences or higher education research environment.
• Strong understanding of the Singapore research grant landscape and its administrative processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable learning new financial systems (e.g., S/4HANA).
• Prior supervisory experience and exposure to grant administration or project financial management preferred.
• Experience in financial and project management accounting within a research or academic institution will be advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities to engage effectively with stakeholders across all levels.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and perform effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Apply here.

Job Description

The Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI)is a research-intensive institute dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer and translating discoveries into clinical applications. CSI Singapore brings together leading scientists, clinicians, and industry partners to advance cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment through multidisciplinary research, innovation, and education. Its mission is to foster cutting-edge cancer research that improves patient outcomes and contributes to Singapore’s biomedical ecosystem.

We are seeking for a Scientific Program Officer who will support the effective management and execution of our research programmes, ensuring that project objectives, timelines, and deliverables are met in alignment with institutional and funding requirements. This role involves coordinating research operations, managing post-award grant administration, supporting programme outreach initiatives, and facilitating graduate and fellowship activities. The incumbent will work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), research teams, administrative departments, and external stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of scientific programmes and promote the institute’s research excellence.

Job Description

1. Programme Management

• Manage a portfolio of research projects, monitoring progress to ensure milestones and deliverables are achieved on schedule.
• Communicate project updates to supervisors and/or Lead PIs to support timely decision-making.
• Organise and conduct regular project review and status meetings with assigned teams.
• Provide guidance and support to project teams in refining work plans, obtaining necessary approvals, and ensuring compliance with grant terms and conditions.
• Prepare and submit applications for IRB, IACUC, risk assessments, and grant virements as required.
• Identify potential intellectual property and risks based on project reports, and assist in technology transfer activities with partner organisations.
• Prepare reports, documentation, and presentations to communicate project progress and outcomes.
• Organise site visits, review panels, or advisory board meetings as required under grant conditions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to streamline operational processes and ensure alignment with institute policies.
• Undertake other programme- or project-related duties as assigned

2. Grant Finance & HR Administration

• Support post-award grant management processes, including task creation in the iRIMS system.
• Track research grant budgets, manage virements, and handle procurement and claims.
• Review and approve project invoices to ensure deliverables and financial scope are met, coordinating with the Finance Team for oversight and compliance.
• Liaise with NUS HR on staffing and payroll-related matters, ensuring accurate fund checks.
• Assist in onboarding new research staff, maintaining staff records and member profiles on relevant platforms.

3. Programmatic Outreach

• Manage research programme membership and generate bibliometric data for reporting and performance tracking.
• Support programme partnerships and collaborations across NUS departments and schools.
• Organise outreach and engagement events (e.g., research workshops, seminars, symposia, and fundraising activities) both virtually and in-person.
• Maintain and update the programme’s website, liaising with external vendors where necessary.
• Prepare newsletters, coordinate media relations, and disseminate research highlights and publicity materials.

4. Research Graduate Programme

• Administer matters related to graduate and fellowship programmes under the research portfolio.
• Serve as the liaison with NUS Medicine and the Division of Graduate Studies to coordinate student and fellowship affairs.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD, preferably in Life Sciences, or related field of study. Candidates with equivalent experience may also apply.
• Able to multitask and work independently, effectively and a good team player
• Proactive, committed, creative, meticulous and results-oriented
• Excellent writing and reporting ability
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Good interpersonal skills

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in;

• 2 to 3 years’ experience in a similar position of research administrative management involving multiple faculties including but not restricted to HR, Grants budget, Outreach, Finance
• SAP/iRIMS system

Apply here.

Job Description

The Scientific Officer plays a pivotal role in supporting the efficient administration of research grants, managing programmatic outreach initiatives, and facilitating the smooth operation of research graduate programs. This position involves close collaboration with finance, HR, and various departments within the organisation, as well as external partners and stakeholders. The Scientific Officer ensures compliance with grant requirements, oversees programmatic activities, and contributes to the dissemination of research findings and program achievements.

Interested applicants should include the following documents in the job application

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. At least 2 referees including their name, contact information (email) and relationship to applicant

Job Duties

Programme Management

• Assist in managing a portfolio of projects; monitoring progress of the research, ensuring deliverables and milestones are met and timelines stay on track.
• Communicate project status updates to supervisor and/or Lead PIs to ensure the successful execution of the projects.
• Organise and assist to conduct monthly/regular status meetings with each assigned project teams.
• Provide expertise to assist in guiding and supporting project teams in modifying work plans as needed, seeking appropriate input and approvals and in accordance with grant terms and conditions
• Prepare and submit IRB, IACUC, risk assessments and grant virements as required for assigned projects
• Assist to identify relevant intellectual property and risks based on reports from project teams and assist in technology transfer activities from project teams to other organisations
• Prepare reports and associated documents to communicate status of the projects or as and when required
• Organise visits of review panels or advisory boards when required under direction and according to grants’ terms and conditions
• Work closely with different internal teams to understand and support operational processes and solutions.
• Perform other programme/project related duties as assigned

Grant Finance & HR Administration:

• Assist with post research grant awards process, raise tasks in the grant iRIMS system
• Assist with financial administration including tracking of research grant budgets, virements, procurement, claims
• Assist to review and approve project invoices to ensure scope of work and deliverables are met. Interface with Grants Admin & Finance Cluster Team to ensure administrative and financial oversight of the projects are aligned with the technical progress.
• Assist with HR related matters including liaising with NUS HR Cluster, payroll funds check where applicable
• Induction of new recruits, keep records of programme research staff list, maintenance of profiles for research programme members on websites

Programmatic Outreach:

• Handle research programme membership, generate programme’ s publications bibliometrics for reporting
• Assist to handle programme initiatives and partnership with different NUS departments/schools
• Assist with outreach including organisation of both virtual and face-to-face research events, fundraising activities, research workshops, seminars and symposium
• Assist to prepare and update events on website, media relations, social media platforms, etc
• Assist to disseminate related research news, publicity of research programme where applicable

Research Graduate Programme:

• Assist with graduate and fellowship programme matters, and act as liaison with NUS Medicine, Division of Graduate School, SOC, CSI
• Coordinating paperwork and visa applications for visiting scholars and new lab members of the PI lab.

Any other duties & responsibilities as assigned by SP

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD, preferably in Computer Sciences, Bioinformatics, or Life Sciences, or related field of study. Candidates with equivalent experience may also apply
• Able to multitask and work independently, effectively and a good team player
• Proactive, committed, creative, meticulous and results-oriented
• Excellent writing and reporting ability
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Good interpersonal skill

Preference will be given to candidates with

• 2 to 3 years’ experience in a similar position of research administrative management involving multiple faculties including but not restricted to HR, Grants budget, Outreach, Finance
• SAP/iRIMS system

Apply here.