AVP, Innovation & Research (IR), Innovation Group

About UOB

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in ASEAN with a global network in Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Operating through our head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, we have a global network of about 430 branches and offices in 19 markets. At the heart of UOB is our culture, shaped by the UOB Way and anchored on our four values – Honourable, Enterprising, United and Committed. For more than 90 years, these values have guided how we do right by our customers, collaborate with one another and create long-term value for the communities we operate in. As One Bank, we are committed to helping our colleagues build sustainable careers grounded in purpose, supported by strong values, and enriched with meaningful opportunities to grow.

Job Description

About the Department

Innovation Group (IG)

The Innovation Group is the centralised innovation, data and science function within UOB Group to support its units and their business and analytical needs. IG aims to be the spearhead driving rapid innovation and analytics adoption across the Group.

What the role is

UOB’s Innovation Research team explores emerging developments and future possibilities that could shape banking. Through strategic foresight, applied research and ecosystem collaboration, we generate insights, evidence and validated capabilities to inform UOB’s decisions and strengthen its readiness for the future.

We are looking for a curious, analytical and technically capable individual who can connect research with business relevance. You will help shape research priorities, build rapid prototypes, develop collaborations with local and international partners, and translate research findings into actionable recommendations and opportunities for UOB.

What you will be working on

• Shape research priorities and programmes. Identify strategic questions and develop research proposals aligned with UOB’s longer-term interests. Define research objectives, methods, milestones and intended outcomes, drawing on opportunities across innovation domains.
• Conduct strategic foresight and research. Monitor and assess emerging developments, global shifts and changes in business and operating models. Synthesize evidence into clear perspectives on their implications for banking, including opportunities, risks and capability needs.
• Build rapid prototypes and validate emerging capabilities. Develop hands-on prototypes and proofs of concept using relevant models, APIs, data and development tools to test research hypotheses and demonstrate feasibility. Design and conduct experiments, assess results and limitations, and recommend whether to advance, refine or discontinue an initiative.
• Develop and advance research collaborations. Work with universities, research institutes, industry partners and relevant public agencies to design joint studies, experiments and research initiatives. Identify opportunities to access complementary expertise, research funding and consortium participation.
• Translate research into practical outcomes. Turn findings into actionable recommendations and support the transfer of validated capabilities to relevant business or implementation teams. Document evidence, limitations and adoption requirements, with clear ownership and next steps.
• Build UOB’s thought leadership. Develop research briefs, papers, presentations and perspectives for internal and external audiences. Contribute to relevant forums and engagements to share insights and strengthen UOB’s research standing.

Research areas may include trusted agentic systems, future operating models, quantum applications in banking and other emerging domains relevant to UOB’s future.

What we are looking for

• A degree in computer science, engineering, data science or a related discipline. Candidates from other disciplines with demonstrated technical and research capabilities will also be considered. A relevant postgraduate qualification would be an advantage.
• At least five years of relevant experience in applied research, technical innovation, prototyping or research translation.
• Hands-on proficiency in Python or another relevant programming language, with demonstrated experience building functional prototypes using AI models, APIs, data and relevant development frameworks.
• Ability to frame meaningful research questions, design experiments, critically assess evidence and evaluate prototype performance and limitations.
• Sound understanding of emerging capabilities and the ability to connect technical findings with business implications and recommendations.
• Experience advancing research or innovation initiatives from exploration through experimentation and validation, independently and with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong writing, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with both specialist and senior management audiences.
• Experience in banking or financial services, research partnerships, or Singapore’s research, innovation and enterprise ecosystem would be an advantage.
• An independent, resourceful and collaborative approach, with the curiosity and judgement to work through uncertainty, learn new tools and methods, and deliver practical research outcomes.

Additional Requirements

Be a Part of the UOB Family

UOB is an equal opportunity employer. UOB does not discriminate on the basis of a candidate's age, race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or other non-merit factors. All employment decisions at UOB are based on business needs, job requirements and qualifications. If you require any assistance or accommodations to be made for the recruitment process, please inform us when you submit your online application.

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