SciTech Manager

Job description

 The Good Food Institute APAC is hiring a SciTech Manager based in China to serve as its scientific lead on alternative proteins, providing expertise and insight into R&D, regulatory trends, and emerging technologies across plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein systems. A key part of this role involves engaging with researchers, academic institutions, and technical partners to build meaningful relationships and strengthen the alternative protein ecosystem across the region. Working closely alongside the Director of Strategic Partnerships, the SciTech Manager brings scientific depth to stakeholder conversations and represents GFI at relevant forums and institutions, while translating scientific developments into clear insights and decision inputs for regional and global teams. 

You’ll collaborate with the SciTech team and cross-functional colleagues to support internal planning, identify knowledge gaps, and surface timely, practical insights that keep regional initiatives aligned and grounded in the latest science. 

How you will make a difference

 The SciTech Manager will: 

• Partner closely with the Director of Strategic Partnerships in regional expansion efforts, bringing scientific depth to stakeholder conversations. 
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with researchers, academics, and technical stakeholders to strengthen GFI’s network and stay close to the latest scientific developments across the region. 
• Represent GFI APAC at relevant science-focused forums and engagements to strengthen its presence and position as a thought leader in alternative proteins across the region. 
• Monitor scientific and regulatory developments across alternative protein systems (plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation), assess their implications, and share timely insights with regional and global SciTech teams. 
• Synthesise research trends and outputs into concise internal briefings, talking points, and planning inputs for cross-functional teams. 
• Provide scientific input into GFI APAC’s regional strategy, projects, and prioritisation discussions in coordination with the APAC SciTech team. 
• Support GFI APAC’s cross-functional projects by providing subject matter expertise on scientific and technical topics. 
• Support the development of internal scientific resources that may inform future tools or reviews. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

The SciTech Manager must have:

• Master’s degree or above in Biochemical engineering, synthetic biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, biomedical engineering, food biotechnology, or a related field , with 7+ years of experience and a track record in R&D strategy, scientific research, or relevant work. We welcome candidates who have applied their scientific background in outward-facing contexts — such as scientific consultancy, industry, government, or mission-driven organisations. A Ph.D. is a bonus but not required. 
• Familiarity with at least one alternative protein pillar (plant-based, cultivated, or fermentation-derived proteins), with openness to develop breadth across all three. 
• Knowledge of the alternative protein or food innovation ecosystem will be viewed favourably. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with external stakeholders, including researchers, academic institutions, and industry or government partners. 
• Excellent communication skills in both Mandarin and English, with the ability to synthesise complex scientific information and convey it clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences — whether in written reports, internal briefing, stakeholder meetings, or public forums. 
• A deep commitment to GFI APAC’s mission and a strong interest in food systems innovation and public engagement. 
• Ability to work independently and use sound judgment in decision making, including setting and managing priorities and meeting competing deadlines. 
• A proactive, self-starter mindset with the initiative to take ownership of SciTech’s impact. 
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Proficiency with key productivity tools such as Asana, Salesforce, Slack, or similar platforms is essential. 
• Comfortable working remotely within a growing and evolving nonprofit organisation. 

We want the best people, and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every colour, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritise an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team. 

The fine print

• Terms of Employment: Full-time
• Reports to: Head of SciTech, GFI APAC
• Location: Strong preference for candidates who are based in Beijing, China. Candidates based in first-tier cities in China will also be considered.
• Language: Fluent in Mandarin and English, both written and spoken.
• Annual Salary: RMB 480,000-600,000
• Application deadline: June 28
• Benefits:
  • Remote-first role within mainland China, with strong integration into a regional and global team; 
  • Flexible working hours, while keeping regular overlap with China and Singapore working hours; 
  • Regular exposure to leading researchers, strategic partners, and international partners; 
  • Strong learning, visibility, and career development opportunities in a fast-growing global nonprofit; 
  • International team retreats with global colleagues; 
  • Statutory PRC benefits (social insurance), with additional health, wellbeing, and learning support where locally compliant; 
  • One annual employer-sponsored physical health examination; 
  • Annual birthday leave entitlement. 
• Right to work requirements: Candidates must already have the unrestricted legal right to work in mainland China without employer sponsorship. The successful candidate must be able to travel in China and abroad.

Application process

• Please complete this application form, including a brief introductory video (no longer than 5 minutes), by June 28. 
• Attend a short introductory call where you can learn more about the role and ask questions.
• Complete a written assignment designed to reflect core responsibilities of the role.
• Attend an interview with our Director of Strategic Partnerships as well as our Head of Science and Technology.
• Attend a second interview focused on strategic thinking, collaboration style, and team fit.
• Attend a work trial, where you’ll spend the day meeting the team and completing strategic assessments. For candidates based in Beijing, this may include an in-person work trial.
• References: Share references who can comment on your strategic and operational capabilities.