Assistant Director / Senior Assistant Director / Deputy Director, Business Operations

Join Our Team at the School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

About the School

The School of Biological Sciences (SBS), part of the College of Science at Nanyang Technological University, was established in 2002 with a mission to advance excellence in biological and biomedical sciences. Our research spans diverse and impactful areas including infectious diseases, immunology, neurodegenerative disorders, telomere biology, and genome function. SBS is home to a vibrant, international community of scientific leaders, researchers, and professionals dedicated to innovation, discovery, and education.

The Role

SBS invites applications for an Assistant Director / Senior Assistant Director / Deputy Director of Business Operations, a senior administrative leadership role reporting directly to the School Chair. The successful candidate will oversee the School’s Administration Office, encompassing school administration, facilities management, staff coordination, and operational governance.

This role is pivotal in ensuring efficient and compliant school operations, optimizing resource allocation, strengthening internal workflows, and driving transformation initiatives. The incumbent will work closely with academic and administrative leadership to enhance operational excellence and deliver a seamless experience for staff, students, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Research Laboratories & Specialised Facilities

• Provide strategic oversight of the day-to-day operations, safety and governance of SBS research labs and ensure compliance with university policies, regulatory requirements and best lab practices.

• Oversee specialised shared facilities including resource planning, cost recovery and equipment utilisation to ensure sustainability and research excellence.

• Plan, upgrade and optimise lab infrastructure including space planning, major equipment procurement and lifecycle management.

• Lead, mentor and develop labs and facilities, fostering a collaborative, high-performing and service-oriented culture.

Business Operations Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop administrative staff, fostering a positive, high-performing, and collaborative work culture.

• Stay informed of organisational changes and institutional developments to ensure operational alignment.

• Serve as the School’s main liaison for data management, including data extraction, consolidation, analysis, and reporting.

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for school initiatives and projects, ensuring alignment with School and University targets.

• Serve as School’s primary point of contact for Data Protection (PDPA) and Emergency Response Management (ERM).

• Lead Business Continuity Planning (BCP) efforts to ensure operational resilience during emergencies.

• Review and align School operations with University strategies, policies, governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.

• Provide strategic financial oversight and advice to support business planning, resource allocation and informed decision-making.

• Partner with School leadership, Human Resources and Finance Business Partners on budgeting, forecasting and effective fund management.

Requirements

• PhD in Life Sciences or related discipline.

• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience in a research-intensive university or equivalent environment.

• Proven senior leadership experience overseeing research laboratories and specialised facilities.

• Demonstrated strengths in financial management/governance, budget oversight, operational governance and stakeholder engagement.

• High proficiency in data analysis, with the ability to consolidate, interpret, and present data for decision-making.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment with tight timelines.

The College of Science seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is 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 that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.