Research Assistant

Singapore University of Technology and Design; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Singapore invites applications for a Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant to explore human-human and human-AI communication within multilingual contexts. The candidate will conduct interviews and experimental sessions, focusing on the interactions of older adults. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields is required along with experience in empirical research methods. Proficiency in Chinese, Malay, or Indian languages is preferred. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position is initially for one year, potentially extendable.

Qualifications

• Background in empirical research methods is required.
• Experience working with older adults is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and execution of empirical studies.
• Conduct literature reviews and participant recruitment.
• Conduct interviews and experimental sessions with young and older adults.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed)

Working proficiency in Chinese, Malay, or Indian languages

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology, cognitive science, HCI, communication science or related field

Job description

Overview

We invite applications for a Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant to join a research project examining human-human and human-AI communication in multilingual/multicultural contexts, with a particular focus on older adults in Singapore.

This project examines how linguistic diversity, cultural norms, and aging shape communicative breakdowns and adaptations in everyday interactions and technology-mediated communication. The Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant will primarily support the design and execution of empirical studies, including literature review, participant recruitment, conducting interviews and experimental sessions with young and older adults, transcription and coding of multilingual dialogue, and field user studies in local elder-care settings. The role involves close collaboration with researchers across psychology, HCI, and AI to support the evaluation of culturally sensitive AI companion systems in real-world contexts.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology, cognitive science, human-computer interaction, communication science, or a related field. Background in some empirical research methods (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) is required. Experience working with older adults is highly desirable. Because the role involves direct engagement with Singapore older adults and research materials in multiple languages, working proficiency in at least one of the following languages is strongly preferred: Chinese (Mandarin and/or dialects), Malay, or Indian languages (Tamil, Hindi). Familiarity with or interest in conversational AI is helpful but not required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.

Application Materials

Please submit a cover letter describing your research experience and interest in the position, a CV, and contact information for two references. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

This position is for one year contract, with the possibility of a one-year extension subject to performance and funding availability.