About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit society.
As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.
We play a key role in nurturing and developing a diversity of talent and leaders in our Agency and research entities, the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
28
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: I appreciate the hybrid work model. For a research engineer, it's great to have some WFH days when you're focusing on data analysis or writing reports. The science industry here usually expects you onsite a lot, so this is decent.
Cons: True flexibility can be tough when your research projects demand constant lab access. You can't just WFH if experiments are running. It really depends on your specific team and project lead, which isn't ideal for everyone.
Advice to Management: Try to standardize WFH policies more across different research institutes and labs. It would help manage expectations better for those of us in hands-on science roles.
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Pros: You get a lot of autonomy as a Research Fellow at this government research agency. Managing your own schedule for scientific publications is common. The annual leave policy is also pretty good, which helps when you need a break.
Cons: Project deadlines can be brutal, especially for intensive lab work. It's not uncommon to pull long hours for grant submissions. Some PIs really push hard, making a consistent work-life balance tough for science roles.
Advice to Management: Try to manage project timelines better to avoid extreme crunch periods. Support PIs in promoting healthier work habits, especially for junior researchers dealing with intense lab work.
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Pros: As a Research Engineer here, I've had decent hybrid work options. It's usually fine to adjust my schedule if I need to run errands or have appointments. This flexibility is a big plus in a public sector research setting.
Cons: The actual flexibility can really depend on your Principal Investigator. Some PIs expect you onsite more often than others, which can make consistent WFH tricky. It's not always uniform across different scientific research labs.
Advice to Management: Try to standardize the flexible work policies across all institutes and labs. It would help ensure everyone gets similar opportunities for hybrid work.
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Common Questions About A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research
What is the work-life balance like for researchers at A*STAR in Singapore?
Work-life balance at A*STAR can vary depending on the specific research institute and project demands. Generally, there's a focus on delivering impactful research, which can sometimes lead to longer hours during critical phases. However, many employees find the organization supportive in managing personal commitments.
What is the work-life balance like for researchers at A*STAR in Singapore, especially within the biomedical sciences field?
No answers yet.
What is the typical work-life balance like for research scientists at A*STAR in Singapore, and how is performance managed?
No answers yet.
What is the work-life balance like for researchers at A*STAR in Singapore?
No answers yet.
What is the work-life balance like at A*STAR, especially for research scientists in Singapore?
A*STAR promotes a results-oriented work environment, which can mean flexible hours but also requires dedication to project timelines. While there's a strong emphasis on collaboration and scientific advancement, managing personal time alongside demanding research goals is common for many roles.
What is the work-life balance like at A*STAR, and how does management support it?
A*STAR promotes a results-oriented work environment, with many teams offering flexibility to manage workloads effectively. Management generally understands the importance of work-life balance, especially for research scientists and engineers in Singapore, and encourages staff to take leave.
What is A*STAR's policy on remote or hybrid work for research scientists in Singapore?
A*STAR offers hybrid work arrangements for many roles, including research scientists, balancing on-site lab work with remote flexibility. Specific arrangements are often discussed at the team or department level to ensure operational needs are met while supporting work-life balance.
What is the typical work environment like at A*STAR, particularly regarding collaboration between different research divisions?
A*STAR fosters a collaborative environment across its various research institutes in Singapore. While individual divisions have their own focus, there are often interdisciplinary projects and opportunities to work with colleagues from different scientific fields.
