Assistant Manager (1-year renewable contract)

Job Description

NUS Department of Medicine, together with National University Heart Centre of Singapore (NUHCS), is on a paradigm shift in cardiovascular therapeutic development, integrating AI-driven discovery with rigorous preclinical validation accelerate drug discovery. This high-reward strategy carries a significant and specialized administrative burden, particularly concerning the management of large-scale research grants, the procurement of complex computational resources, ensuring strict compliance for our essential in vivo studies (IACUC protocols, animal welfare, resource scheduling) and the intricate process of commercializing novel drug candidates via spin-offs.

The purpose of this role is to embed a professional administrator who possesses the rare combination of a scientific background and operational acumen. By hiring someone who understands the intricacies of preclinical research, we can de-risk our operations, ensure compliance, and dramatically increase the efficiency of our entire drug discovery pipeline.

Job Responsibilities

Independent Management of Research Grant Claims

• Independently manage assigned healthcare research grant portfolios, including preparation, verification, and submission of grant claims in accordance with funding agency guidelines (e.g. NMRC, MOH). Plan and track claim schedules and submission timelines across multiple research projects. Review claims for completeness and accuracy prior to PI endorsement.

Financial Review, Reconciliation & Budget Monitoring

• Provide first-line advisory support to PIs and research teams on grant cost eligibility, allowability, and budget utilisation, in accordance with approved grant conditions. Serve as the key point of contact for grant administration matters for assigned projects.

Preclinical and Grant Operation Coordination

• Review and reconcile grant expenditures against approved budgets and finance system records. Identify overspending risks, budget variances, and compliance concerns early. Recommend corrective actions or adjustments to the PI where necessary.

Innovation & Commercialization Support

• Coordinate the administrative pathway for commercializing drug candidates that have shown efficacy in preclinical models, acting as a liaison between the lab and the Technology Transfer Office (TTO).

AI agent of change for drug discovery

• Developing and piloting generative AI tools for cardiology preclinical needs

Assistance with other duties

• Assist with any other duties, in support of departmental or organizational needs.

Qualifications

• Possess a Degree in life sciences or business administration
• Minimum of 1-2 years of hands-on experience in a preclinical research environment.
• Certified with relevant Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents.
• Demonstrable experience with meticulous record-keeping and following complex, multi-step protocols (e.g., surgical or IACUC protocols).
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft offices such as word, powerpoint, excel etc.
• Experience with any form of entrepreneurship (startup, spinoff etc) would be preferred