Associate Chief Operating Officer

Who are we?

We are the University of Cambridge’s presence in Singapore, Cambridge CARES. Our activities are sponsored by the National Research Foundation’s CREATE programme. Our first research programme, Cambridge Centre for Carbon Reduction in Chemical Technology (C4T), is a collaboration between University of Cambridge, Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore. Our team is comprised of world-class scientists and engineers, supported by an excellent team of corporate staff, working in a vibrant, fast-paced environment with great opportunities for knowledge and skills development.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an Associate Chief Operating Officer (Associate COO) to join the leadership team of the Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), the University of Cambridge’s largest and longest-established permanent overseas research presence. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the CARES Directors, the Associate COO will play a key role in supporting the Centre’s operations, strategic development, and research delivery during an important phase of growth and expansion. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the governance, operational excellence, and long-term success of a major international research initiative. The successful candidate will help oversee substantial research funding, infrastructure, and collaborative programmes, ensuring that CARES continues to deliver world-class research and innovation outcomes.

The Associate COO will deputise for the COO as required, assuming operational responsibility for key functions across the Centre. The role has a strong focus on strategic planning, organisational development, and external engagement, helping to ensure that CARES continues to deliver world-class research in partnership with University of Cambridge academics, Singapore-based institutions, and international funding bodies. Working across a complex stakeholder landscape, the Associate COO will use influence, collaboration, and project leadership to drive strategic initiatives, coordinate key activities, and support the successful delivery of CARES’ research and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Oversight – Take responsibility for selected functional areas within the COO’s portfolio, such as compliance, grant ramp-up and closure, infrastructure planning, and outreach.

Strategic Planning – Contribute to long-term strategic development, including financial projections, contingency planning, and growth initiatives.

Project Leadership – Lead operational development projects (e.g., systems implementation, policy development, facilities planning) to strengthen CARES’ research delivery.

Governance Support – Provide high-quality inputs to the CARES Governing Board and other decision making bodies, ensuring robust information flow for strategic decisions. Acting as secretary and minute-taker when necessary.

Stakeholder Engagement – Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, funders, and industry partners, representing CARES in Singapore and internationally.

Grant Management – Support pre-award planning and coordination for major research bids, ensuring operational readiness.

Deputising for COO – Act as the COO’s representative on the ground in Singapore during periods of travel or leave, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational delivery.

Resources Managed – Oversight of research grants portfolio (currently SGD77m / GBP45m). Strategic input into facilities and infrastructure development, including laboratory and office space.

What skills will you need?

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in science, engineering, business administration, operations management, or a related discipline.
• Experience in research administration, higher education, research institutes, government agencies, or other R&D-intensive environments and has knowledge of research governance, compliance and administration.
• Familiarity with Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem and research funding landscape.
• Experience supporting major research grant applications, programme delivery, and research operations.
• Strong governance support, meeting management, and minute-taking capabilities.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery in a complex stakeholder environment.
• Demonstrated experience driving process improvement and operational excellence.
• Experience in laboratory, facilities, or research infrastructure planning and development.
• Strong strategic planning, resource management, and prioritisation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent written skills, including the preparation of board papers, strategic reports, and funding submissions.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and engage with academics, government agencies, industry partners, funders, and senior university stakeholders.

What can we offer you?

•  A stimulating working-environment with friendly, highly motivated colleagues.
• A competitive salary in line with your skills and experience.
• A comprehensive medical insurance cover as part of your employment.

Contract Duration: This is a full-time fixed-term appointment for an initial period of six months.

Please note this post is mainly based in the CREATE Tower, and adjacent laboratory building, at NUS University Town, Singapore.