Manager – Research Grant Management

This position sits within a newly created university level centre with a team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University’s Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), working to strengthen Singapore’s capability for seismic monitoring, earthquake-hazard assessment, and seismic-risk analysis. It is one of a cluster of hires contributing to an integrated programme spanning seismic and geodetic monitoring, fault-capability assessment, earthquake physics, ground-motion modelling, site response, exposure and vulnerability, and probabilistic seismic hazard and risk assessment. (For more information, please visit: https://earthobservatory.sg, https://ntu.edu.sg/cee, and https://ntu.edu.sg/.)

We are looking for a Manager is to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the full spectrum of research grant management and administrative services covering HR, finance, procurement, legal and outreach for the research centre which has some 40 researchers across six research teams. The Manager is expected to coordinate the work of the centre’s management support team, synchronising with NTU’s central grant management processes and systems in the provision of all grant management services for the centre. The Manager is further expected to organize research workshops involving overseas organizations as well as arranging full logistical support.

Key Responsibilities: Coordinating the work of the centre’s management support team and synchronising with NTU grant administration processes, the Manager is expected to:

• Establish governance framework and operating procedures for all HR-related services, including recruitment, contract renewal, annual appraisals and staff training and development amongst other functions, in accordance with the University HR policies and processes.
• Develop and drive grant management functions across pre-award and post-award stages as supporting a major research programme with its 40 research staff across six research teams.
• Coordinate the efficient delivery of all HR-related services for research staff including recruitment, contract renewal, annual appraisals and staff training and development amongst other functions, in accordance the University HR policies and processes.
• Coordinate and oversee the efficient delivery of all Finance-related services for the research programme including annual budgeting and expenses tracking, procurement process (e.g. quotations and tenders) and vendor management.
• Responsible for international engagement and partnerships, including overseeing the negotiation and execution of agreements and driving external engagement initiatives to strengthen Centre’s partnerships.
• Plan and organize outreach activities and research workshops spanning conception, planning and execution including provision of logistical arrangements.
• Coordinate travel and logistical arrangements for research team members and overseas visitors, ensuring smooth and timely support for programme-related travel and engagements.
• Provide coordination as needed in other grant management functions such as when interfacing with the NTU Legal, planning for periodic NTU safety audits and other institutional compliance requirements.

Job Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting or public administration or related field.
• Greater than 10 years of professional experience in a related area with 5 or more years in research administration, grant management or research operations within a university setting or similar research organization.
• Strong understanding of Singapore's research ecosystem including the research funding, governance and administrative landscape.
• Deep knowledge of NTU systems and processes in grant administration and institutional governance.
• Past portfolio to have led grant management of programmes with value exceeding 20 million SGD.
• Proven record in establishing, developing or scaling research centres, institutes or major research programmes, including the implementation of administrative and operational frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability in coordinate work flows in a team setting comprising staff in HR, finance, procurement and outreach.
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior management and stakeholders across the University.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A current CV, including contact details for two referees.
• A succinct cover letter of no more than two pages, outlining the candidate’s relevant experience and interest in the position.
• Other supporting documents, provided as an annex to the cover letter.

We seek a diverse and inclusive workforce and are committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

We regret to inform you that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU