Executive Director (Data-AI-Compute)

JOB DESCRIPTION

A STAR is the strategic innovation engine in Singapore to translate science and technology into economic outcomes through contract R&D, joint labs/consortia, licensing, and venture creation across priority domains.

We are seeking a highly qualified individual, with a strong passion to make a difference in translation impact and Singapore, to serve as Executive Director (ED) leading industry collaborations and enterprise development anchored in I R & IHPC, and working with other A STAR Research Institutes.

The ED will drive A STAR's Data-AI-Compute (DAC) translation with companies and public agencies- accelerating 'AI/Compute-for-X' adoption (e.g., digital services, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, maritime/aviation, digital services and health), and supporting the development of scalable translation platforms by working with researchers and engineers in I R, IHPC, and other A STAR Research Institutes as needed to build multidisciplinary solutions and deliver national impact. The ED will also play a leadership role in an Applied AI Centre of Excellence that A STAR is setting up to drive industrial AI adoption in the Singapore ecosystem. AI is the primary technology focus; the role will also cover digital technologies like cybersecurity and quantum computing as strategic domains.

Responsibilities

Drive tech-business development anchored in I R & IHPC: Shape and execute a multi-year industry strategy for Data-AI-Compute with EDs I R & IHPC, establishing multi-party collaborations and scaling deployments across priority sectors.

Develop and convert a high-quality pipeline: Orchestrate contract R&D, licensing, and venture opportunities with I&E clusters; leverage mechanisms such as co-innovation projects, consortia and T-Up/secondments for startups, SMEs and LLEs.

Forge productive collaborations to deliver adoption impact: Establish and grow partnerships with MNCs, LLEs, startups, SMEs and public agencies; negotiate complex, multi-party agreements that accelerate adoption at scale (MRCA/joint labs/consortia/licensing).

Ecosystem sensing and strategy: Engage local and global stakeholders (industry C-suites, public agencies, IHLs) to sense technology and market shifts in AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing and other digital technologies; inform mid- to long-term strategies; ensure value capture for Singapore.

Provide overall strategic leadership: Guide research translation priorities for I R & IHPC toward national impact, aligning to Whole-of-A STAR programmes (by partnering across A STAR RIs) and the RIE ecosystem (MTC, SNDE, USS, HHP).

Support platform development: Work closely with researchers and engineers to identify commercial opportunities and enable the development and deployment of Data-AI-Compute platforms and solutions for industry.

Lead and develop the team: Build and mentor a high-performing Tech-Biz team (matrixed with RI Tech-Biz and I&E clusters), attract key talent, and model A STAR's leadership competencies and culture.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Degree or post-graduate degree in engineering, computing or equivalent from a reputable university.

Experience: 10-15 years of proven leadership in deep-tech/AI/compute commercialisation (e.g., industry collaborations, joint labs, consortia, deployments), ideally with translational research exposure or programme leadership at ED/Director level.

IP & Contracts: Demonstrated strength in IP and contract management and negotiation, particularly for software and data-centric business models (e.g., licensing constructs, SaaS terms, data-use rights, open-source/compliance considerations).

Stakeholders & Execution: Strong executive presence and stakeholder management, with a track record of value capture, risk mitigation and accountability across complex, multi-party initiatives.

Matrix Leadership: Comfortable operating in a matrix; able to work across I R, IHPC, other A STAR RIs, I&E and public agencies to deliver One-A STAR outcomes.

Technical Fluency: Intellectually curious with the ability to exploit AI and other digital technologies (e.g. HPC, cybersecurity, and quantum computing) and translate them into implementable, cost-benefit-sound programmes; adept at identifying cross-functional synergies.

Delivery: Outstanding record managing multiple programmes and partnerships from POC to deployment; familiarity with public sector processes is an advantage.

Communication: Excellent communication and influencing skills for internal and external relationship-building, including international partners.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.