Results-driven R&D professional with a proven track record in steering high-impact projects and implementing effective change management strategies. Expertise in aligning research goals with business objectives to drive growth and enhance operational efficiency. Recognized for exceptional collaboration skills and adaptability, consistently delivering reliable results in dynamic environments while fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
Hi, I’m
Si Kee Tan
R&D Director
Singapore
Summary
Overview
13
years of professional experience
6
Certifications
2
Languages
Work History
Thermo Fisher Scientific
R&D Director
01.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Led cross-functional R&D teams through the full product lifecycle, successfully executing the development of molecular assays and instrumentation in research, clinical and applied science.
- Evaluated novel and on-market technologies for potential integration into existing products or development of new offerings, including OEM and strategic business collaborations
- Worked closely with global business partners to define and align on future product roadmaps. Accountable for managing significant program budgets, local EDB funding programs for new bioinformatics capabilities and coordinating cross-departmental execution to deliver on key capabilities.
- Engaged R&D partners to proactively assess and address potential risks, ensuring project timelines were maintained and strategic programs decisions were thoroughly supported.
- Established and maintained succession planning and constructive performance management systems within R&D, focusing on developing a steady pipeline of skilled talent for future opportunities.
- Provided mentorship to local and global colleagues, fostering a positive, open work environment where team members were encouraged to learn and contribute to continuous professional development.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Senior Manager, Molecular Biology
04.2021 - 12.2021
Job overview
- Spearheaded the rapid scale-up of the assay development team and built dedicated R&D automation capabilities, establishing full end-to-end development activities critical to driving the time-sensitive COVID-19 response efforts.
- Fostered strategic partnerships with new business units and global stakeholders, securing new investment opportunities for the Singapore organization, including the development of biopharmaceutical analytics applications.
- Secured internal competitive research grant to support and drive forward-looking innovation.
- Drove the expansion of R&D infrastructure and implemented comprehensive operational standards, policies, and procedures for ISO accreditation and ensuring sustained process excellence.
- Realized notable cost savings by setting up internal sample collection initiatives, optimizing resource utilization across R&D.
- Provided consistent leadership to build a high-performing team of over 50 scientists. Mentored new managers and provided tools and training enabling team productivity.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Manager, Molecular Biology
04.2019 - 03.2021
Job overview
- Spun off a new assay development function, focusing on the development of clinical Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs), expanding the organization's capabilities in new growth area.
- Accountable for local project deliverables and resources of complex global product program execution. Fostered critical collaborations with global R&D teams to ensure alignment and timely delivery of large-scale initiatives.
- Managed and mentored a team of junior scientists by establishing team priorities, maintaining schedules, and monitoring performance.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Scientist III, Molecular Biology
06.2017 - 03.2019
Job overview
- Project Lead for Validation and Verification (V&V) activities across complex qPCR assays, reagents, and integrated systems, managing successful execution for both New Product Introduction (NPI) and sustaining product lines.
- Translated customer needs into testable technical requirements, reviewing them collaboratively with the core development team and establishing traceability of product specification back to requirements.
- Designed and developed robust, fit-for-purpose test methods to ensure all final product performance consistently met defined quality standards and technical specifications.
Vela Diagnostics
Scientist
01.2016 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Lead the development of PCR diagnostic tests for CE-IVD and FDA approval.
- Obtained CE-IVD and FDA-EUA for Zika RT-PCR assay.
- Prepare pre-submission and submission documents for FDA.
- Design experiments, data analysis and write protocols and reports for pre-testing, verification and validation.
- Training and supervise research officers in product testing.
- Prepare abstracts and posters for international conferences.
Nanyang Technological University
Senior Assistant Manager
05.2015 - 01.2016
Job overview
- Coordination and submission of research proposals for external competitive funding opportunities.
- Working with the Chair of Peer Review Panel and provide administrative support for proposals review.
- Facilitation of research in Colleges and Schools in the University and ensuring research grants guidelines are duly followed.
Vela Diagnostics
Scientist
03.2013 - 04.2015
Job overview
- Lead the development of extraction kits for CE-IVD and FDA approval.
- Obtained CE-IVD for whole blood, total RNA and FFPE gDNA extraction kits.
- Design experiments, data analysis and write protocols and reports for pre-testing, verification and validation.
- Training and supervise research officers in product testing.
Education
NUS Graduate SchoolSingapore
Ph.D. from Life Sciences
01.2012
University Overview
Nanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
Bachelor of Science from Biology/Biological Sciences, General
01.2008
University Overview
Skills
Global partnership
undefinedCertification
Customer and Product Requirement Development - S2 Insights
Honors-Awards
Honors-Awards
NTU LKY Gold Medal
NGS Graduate Scholarship
Award of merit for "2011 Merck Millipore Young Scientist Award"
Publications
Publications
- An AR-ERG transcriptional signature defined by long-range chromatin interactomes in prostate cancer cells (Genome Research, Feb 1, 2019)
- Identification of a Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate-based AP-2γ inhibitor with pro-apoptotic activity (Biochemical Journal, Jun 11, 2018)
- Targeting the heparin-binding domain of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 as a potential cancer therapy (Molecular Cancer, Jul 23, 2015)
- Fast Screening of Ligand-Protein Interactions based on Ligand-Induced Protein Stabilization of Gold Nanoparticles (Analytical Chemistry, Mar 4, 2014)
- Studying forkhead box protein A1-DNA interaction and ligand inhibition using gold nanoparticles, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and fluorescence anisotropy (Analytical Biochemistry, Mar 1, 2014)
- A transcriptional repressor co-regulatory network governing androgen response in prostate cancers (EMBO Journal, Jun 13, 2012)
- AP-2γ regulates oestrogen receptor-mediated long-range chromatin interaction and gene transcription (EMBO Journal, May 13, 2011)
- Dynamic localization of tripartite motif-containing 22 in nuclear and nucleolar bodies (Experimental Cell Research, May 1, 2009)
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
R&D Director
Thermo Fisher Scientific
01.2022 - Current
Senior Manager, Molecular Biology
Thermo Fisher Scientific
04.2021 - 12.2021
Manager, Molecular Biology
Thermo Fisher Scientific
04.2019 - 03.2021
Scientist III, Molecular Biology
Thermo Fisher Scientific
06.2017 - 03.2019
Scientist
Vela Diagnostics
01.2016 - 05.2017
Senior Assistant Manager
Nanyang Technological University
05.2015 - 01.2016
Scientist
Vela Diagnostics
03.2013 - 04.2015
NUS Graduate School
Ph.D. from Life Sciences
Nanyang Technological University
Bachelor of Science from Biology/Biological Sciences, General