Research Assistant / Associate (Corals)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore leads coral science initiatives at the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory to support reef restoration in Singapore.

The role involves hands-on coral culture, field deployment support, and contributing to research through data collection and scientific writing. The successful candidate will coordinate facility maintenance, prepare corals for transplantation, and train volunteers while meeting tight project timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
• Background knowledge in coral biology.
• Experience with coral culture and aquarium systems preferred.
• SCUBA certification required (Advanced Open Water) and diving experience advantageous.
• Physically fit to work offshore, in the field and on boats.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Coral biology knowledge

Multitasking

English proficiency

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Statistical software

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Statistical software

Job description

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 ofcultured coralsfor 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 physically fit 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.