Research Assistant / Associate (Corals)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 45,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore invites applications for a marine biology position at the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML) to support reef restoration efforts in Singapore.

The candidate will oversee coral culture operations, assist in field deployments, and conduct scientific reporting. Minimum qualification is a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related field, with emphasis on coral biology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Life Sciences, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• Background knowledge in coral biology.
• Experience with coral culture and aquarium systems is advantageous.
• SCUBA diving with Advanced Open Water certification (or higher); Rescue certification advantageous.
• Able to perform physical tasks and work offshore, in the field, and on boats.
• Organized, able to multitask and manage tight timelines.
• Proficient in English (spoken and written).
• Proficient with MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Carry out and coordinate coral culture operations at SJINML, including aquarium facility maintenance, culture optimisation, and SOP development.
• Prepare cultured corals for transplantation and assist in field deployments.
• Conduct research including data collection, analysis, and scientific writing.
• Prepare materials for progress reporting.
• Train stakeholders and volunteers for capacity building and outreach.
• Assist in various administrative and management tasks.

Skills

Coral biology knowledge

Multitasking

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Life Sciences / Environmental Studies

Class 3 driving license

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Statistical software

Job description

Company description

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore

Job description

Overview

We are looking for one (1) highly motivated individual with good foundation in marine biology to conduct coral culture and research at the St. John's Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML) to support reef restoration efforts in Singapore

Key Responsibiities

• Carry out and coordinate coral culture operations at the SJINML. This includes aquarium facility maintenance, optimising culture operations, and developing SOPs


• Preparation of cultured corals for transplantation, and assisting in relevant field deployments


• Conduct research including data collection, data analysis and scientific writing


• Prepare material as required for progress reporting


• Train stakeholders and volunteers for capacity building and outreach


• Assist in various administrative and management tasks

Job Requirements

• Bachelors' degree or higher (preferably in Life Sciences/ Biological Sciences/ Environmental Studies/ Environmental Sciences or related fields).


• Have background knowledge in coral biology.


• Experience with coral culture and aquarium systems will be highly advantageous.


• Must be able to SCUBA dive, with at minimum Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification. Experience with diving in Singapore waters and PADI Rescue certification (or equivalent) and above will be highly advantageous.


• Must be capable of performing physical tasks and able to work at the offshore marine station, in the field and on boats.


• Must be organised, able to multitask, and manage tight timelines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment


• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, are essential for communication of findings in scientific reports and other media


• Proficiency in Microsoft skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc)


• Preferably familiar with data analyses and statistical software


• Preferably have Class 3 driving license

NUS is committed to an employee-orientated, high-performance culture that emphasises empowerment, quality, and continuous improvement.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.