Head of R&D(Singapore)

About PatSnap

PatSnap is a global leader in innovation intelligence, providing deep data insights and analytics across various sectors, including material science, bio-pharmaceuticals, and patents. Backed by top-tier investors such as Sequoia and SoftBank, PatSnap is at the forefront of driving innovation through technology and data. Our major R&D centers are in Suzhou and Shanghai, China, and we are looking to significantly expand our Singapore R&D team to position Singapore as a key global innovation hub.

Position Overview

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to head our Singapore R&D team. Currently, the team consists of over 10 engineers, with plans to expand to 40+ within the coming years. This role provides a unique growth opportunity to scale and shape the future of our R&D operations in Singapore.

As the Head of R&D, you will report directly to PatSnap’s Global VP of

Engineering and R&D and will be responsible for driving our R&D initiatives, with a focus on material science, bio-pharmaceuticals, patents, data development, algorithms, and NLP.

Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin is essential, and an understanding of R&D operational challenges across multiple locations is a plus.

Strong knowledge in NLP, deep learning, and search engine technologies are

definitely needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and scale the Singapore R&D team from 10+ engineers to 40+ over the coming years, hiring top talent both locally and globally.
• -Develop and execute R&D strategies aligned with PatSnap’s global objectives and Singapore’s role as a key hub for innovation.
• Collaborate on cutting-edge projects across material science, patents, data development, NLP, algorithms, and bio-pharmaceuticals.
• Build a high-performing R&D team through recruitment, mentoring, and strategic team growth, including relocating engineers from China and hiring local talent.
• Foster strong collaboration across product management, DevOps, testing, and other departments, ensuring alignment with global R&D goals.
• Oversee the development of innovative technologies in areas like material science, data, and bio-pharmaceuticals.
• Drive the adoption of DevOps best practices and manage production lines across U.S. and European markets.
• Ensure the integration of CI/CD pipelines, information security measures, and IP protection protocols.
• Partner closely with local institutions such as EDB, A*STAR, and universities to enhance R&D capabilities.
• Work with product managers, designers, and GTM teams to align technical and business objectives, driving innovation through collaborative efforts.
• Establish and enhance office infrastructure, development platforms, and security measures to support Singapore R&D operations.
• Manage local budgets and resources effectively to support both team growth and project execution.
• Promote a culture of innovation through participation in programs like Star-Engineer and global Hackathons.
• Engage in local and global industry events to ensure the team remains at the forefront of innovation.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in R&D leadership roles, with a proven ability to scale teams and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Expertise in NLP, deep learning, search engine technology, material science, bio-pharmaceuticals, patents, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of AI, machine learning, data science, and DevOps principles.
• Bilingual proficiency in both English and Mandarin is required.
• Familiarity with multi-location R&D operational challenges is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow large technical teams, mentor engineers, and drive large-scale R&D initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Experience working in global markets with the ability to manage multi-regional teams and projects.

Why PatSnap

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and scale our R&D team in

Singapore as we aim to grow from 10+ to 40+ engineers over the coming years.

You will have the chance to shape PatSnap's innovation landscape across diverse industries like material science and bio-pharmaceuticals, driving global impact from Singapore.

PatSnap is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are proud to be backed by

top investors such as Sequoia and SoftBank.

Join us in building the future of innovation intelligence and creating cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses worldwide.