Assistant Director – Lab Operations

About the role

The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University seeks an Assistant Director to lead a portfolio of specialised laboratories, including Materials Innovation, Smart Manufacturing, Fuel Cell, and Thermal & Fluids labs. This senior position will align laboratory operations with the university’s research, teaching missions and Singapore’s RIE2030 strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and end‑to‑end oversight of multidisciplinary labs, ensuring operational excellence.
• Establish governance frameworks, drive cross‑lab synergies and maintain full regulatory compliance.
• Lead manpower strategy: recruitment, deployment, performance management and staff development for technical teams.
• Oversee resource planning and support for undergraduate teaching labs and Final Year Projects.
• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with ISO 45001 and hazardous material management.
• Plan infrastructure, optimise space and manage budgets, capital equipment lifecycle and asset governance.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• 10–12 years of leadership experience managing large‑scale laboratory or research facilities.
• Strategic thinker with proven ability to motivate diverse technical staff while ensuring compliance.
• Strong expertise in financial stewardship, manpower planning and infrastructure management.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and team development.

Required skills