Job Description

[What the role is]

The Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG) is one of the oldest tropical botanic gardens and one of only three botanic gardens in the world inscribed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over its history, it has played a major role in nature conservation in Singapore and influenced its environmental and social history. Among its earliest contributions to nature conservation in Singapore is a comprehensive forest survey of Singapore and Malaya 150 years ago that led to designation of forest reserves which are the precursors to the current Nature Reserves in Singapore.

The Forest and Tree Research programme of the Gardens builds on the Gardens’ pioneering work in forest ecology, taxonomy, and applied conservation research. The programme has three interconnected focal areas: tropical forest ecology research, urban tree research, and education and outreach, to advance scientific understanding while directly informing forest and urban tree management in Singapore and the region.

The broad aims are to advance forest and urban tree research in Singapore through development of scientific capacity, translate scientific knowledge to science-based forest and urban tree management practices, and foster greater awareness and support of forest conservation through education and outreach.

Research is centred on (1) tropical forest ecology, covering biodiversity and biophysical and biogeochemical studies, including modelling forest dynamics to inform management and conservation, and (2) urban tree management covering tree biomechanics, tree ecophysiology, and applications of remote sensing methods tree growth, health, and risk monitoring. All themes are underpinned by considerations of climate and land-use change impacts.

Given this breadth, the programme emphasises strategic integration, synthesis across disciplines, and effective mobilisation of specialised expertise, rather than narrow topical focus. Success depends on strong scientific leadership, clear prioritisation, and the ability to translate complex research into actionable guidance.

The Director of the Forest and Tree Research provides scientific leadership for this programme, with primary responsibility for setting research direction, ensuring coherence across projects, and translating science into practice and policy. The Director oversees a substantial and diverse portfolio of research projects at varying stages of development and implementation, delivered by in-house staff and external collaborators.

The role requires balancing scientific ambition and effective portfolio management, fostering a strong research culture, and enabling researchers to excel within their areas of expertise. Close collaboration with other divisions within the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the National Parks Board is essential, building on the Gardens' long-standing legacy of science-based management and policy engagement.

[What you will be working on]

• Provide strategic oversight and coordination of a large and diverse portfolio of research projects, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and available capacity.

• To guide, mentor, and support researchers (NParks staff and external collaborators), fostering high-quality, impactful research while recognizing diverse roles and contributions.

• Enable and facilitate the timely documentation and publication of research outputs in peer-reviewed journals, applied tools, and semi-popular accounts.

• Build and sustain collaborations within Singapore and the region to strengthen research capacity, complement internal expertise, and leverage emerging methods and technologies in forest and tree research.

• Work closely with researchers within the Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Parks Board to identify synergies and build a strong research culture.

• Advise senior leadership on science-based policy and management decisions related to forests and trees in natural and urban environments, particularly in regards to climate and land use change.

[What we are looking for]

• PhD in Plant Sciences / Life Sciences / Ecology with expertise in tropical forest ecology, restoration ecology, vegetation modelling, conservation, urban forestry and arboriculture, or other related research fields.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex research programmes, including setting priorities across multiple projects and teams.

• A strong publication record reflecting research excellence and breadth, coupled with the ability to contribute strategically to research outputs in a leadership role.

• Experience translating scientific knowledge into conservation, management, or policy outcomes is highly desirable.

• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to foster collaboration, support diverse expertise, and balance scientific ambition with organisational realities.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.