Research Fellow (Connector)

Job Purpose

Research Fellow (Connector) work with industry partners to co-create commercially viable solutions in healthcare innovation. They deliver on projects that help healthcare institutions and businesses to move up the innovation value chain, addressing critical challenges in Singapore's evolving healthcare landscape. While working on these projects, Research Fellow (Connector) will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets and enhanced project implementation capabilities that are relevant to industry demands. The success of these initiatives will bring about deeper collaboration with key healthcare stakeholders that will translate the industry engagement into more innovation projects with SIT.

This role will play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare innovation research and projects. Collaborating closely with faculty, healthcare institutions, industry partners, researchers, and students, the role will co-create impactful, practical, and commercially viable solutions that address critical healthcare challenges in Singapore, such as (but not limited to) automating processes, AI implementation, workflow redesigning, technology empowerment and improving operational efficiency to tackle issues related to an aging population, chronic diseases, rising healthcare costs and shortage of manpower.

Key Responsibilities

Applied Research and Innovation

• Lead and manage projects focused on healthcare innovation and assess the outcome, such as adopting automation systems, implementing AI and analytics in healthcare settings, workflow redesign for productivity improvement, and technology solutions for operational challenges in healthcare institutions and professionals.
• Explore emerging healthcare technologies, frameworks, and practices to advance sustainable healthcare solutions in Singapore's healthcare ecosystem.
• Conduct needs assessments and operational efficiency analyses to address real-world healthcare challenges, particularly in varies areas related to allied health, nursing and community health.
• Conceptualize, design and implement innovative projects based on deep understanding of healthcare providers' needs and available technologies, matching both of them effectively, with emphasis on practical implementation and measurable outcomes.

Industry Engagement

• Collaborate with healthcare institutions, industry partners, and government agencies (e.g., MOH, HPB) to co-create solutions that enhance operations and support national healthcare transformation initiatives (e.g., Healthier SG, Age Well SG, 3 Beyonds).
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities in healthcare innovation to position SIT and its partners as key contributors to health technology advancement.
• Foster and maintain strong partnerships with healthcare businesses, institutes of higher learning, start-ups, and public sector stakeholders to develop impactful projects that improve healthcare delivery and population health outcomes.
• Serve as a technical and strategic liaison to frame projects with healthcare enterprises, identify required capabilities across the innovation ecosystem, and translate stakeholder needs into actionable initiatives.
• Work closely with internal teams (e.g., ICCAHI core team, IaaS, Innohub) and external partners to develop and implement collaborative projects, including co-funding arrangements and licensing opportunities.
• Support the attraction and development of high-value, industry-relevant projects for SIT, Polytechnics, and ITE applied research and innovation centres.
• Leverage industry networks to facilitate knowledge transfer, capability development, and technology adoption across healthcare and innovation ecosystems.
• Secure and identify funding sources through grants, proposals, and industry partnerships, and support stakeholders in grant applications (e.g., ICDG, EDG, LTIF), ensuring compliance with funding requirements and quality standards.
• Act as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders, including students, to gather feedback and translate insights into continuous improvements in projects and initiatives.

Project Management

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of healthcare innovation and ICCAHI-related projects, ensuring timely completion and high-quality outcomes.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage day-to-day operations, including developing annual roadmaps and workplans.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, milestones, and KPIs, and prepare regular updates and reports for stakeholders.
• Prepare and manage budgets, financial reports, costing analyses, and project documentation in alignment with funding and institutional requirements.
• Oversee project agreements, working with TTO and relevant stakeholders to ensure intellectual property protection, compliance, and effective collaboration.
• Maintain proper documentation and shared repositories for project tracking and reporting.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Handle administrative functions such as account management, invoice processing, payment collection, operational duties as required, and any other administrative responsibilities within the scope of ICCAHI, as directed by Head of ICCAHI.

Professional Development and Expertise

• Stay updated with developments in healthcare innovation, including new technologies, market development, regulations, and industry practices in Singapore and internationally.
• Support the cluster in obtaining IAF-ICP and IAF-PP funding by leveraging industry knowledge and proposal development expertise.
• Curate innovation showcases and success stories that highlight the impact of Health Living Lab projects and initiatives.

Job Requirements

• A degree in Healthcare Management, Health Sciences, Engineering with healthcare experience, or a related field. Master in a relevant field (eg MBA) is preferred.
• At least 7 years of relevant industry experience in healthcare settings, with a proven track record in healthcare innovation, operational improvement, and technology implementation.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare technologies, resource management, and healthcare business practices in Singapore.
• Experience in healthcare workflow analysis, automation implementation, and healthcare metrics.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience in writing project proposals, grants, and government tenders will be an added advantage.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of Singapore healthcare industry practices to bring industry perspective to SIT.
• Keen interest in healthcare innovation projects, with demonstrated ability in developing solutions to operational and technical problems in healthcare settings.
• Strong supervisory skills and enjoy working closely with students in an educational environment.
• Demonstrate proficiency to keep abreast of development in the healthcare field and pursue professional certification programs. Possession of industrial certifications in relevant healthcare areas will be an added advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong understanding of the healthcare challenges faced by Singapore institutions and the market landscape in Singapore and the region, particularly regarding aging population, rising healthcare costs, and demand for efficiency.
• Ability to perform as a domain expert, contributing to the mapping and development of the healthcare industry ecosystem.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders, such as public agencies, POLITE, SIMTech, and IPI to advance healthcare innovation initiatives.
• Experience with or knowledge of various funds and grants (eg EDG, LTIF, NMRC, IAF-ICP, IAF-PP) and expertise in proposal development is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with industry partners, students, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional and multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
• Proactive approach to continuous learning and professional development.
• Proficient in presentation of healthcare innovation concepts and outcomes.
• Possess good analytical and critical thinking skills for healthcare problem-solving.
• Shows good initiative and takes ownership of work undertaken.
• Project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring of healthcare innovation projects.