Research Assistant (Coral Reef Science)

Nanyang Technological University Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 39,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) at Nanyang Technological University is seeking a Research Assistant to support a regional coral-reef programme across South and Southeast Asia. You will coordinate field activities, collect large-area plot data, manage multi-site databases and contribute to scientific analyses and outputs.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in marine-related fields, coral-reef fieldwork and photogrammetry experience, and strong data-management and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marine biology, marine science, ecology or related field.
• Fieldwork and scientific-diving experience; Divemaster-level certification preferred.
• Experience with underwater photogrammetry and Metashape for 3D outputs.
• Working knowledge of coral-reef ecology and identification.
• Strong data management, analytical and communication skills; able to work in remote sites and international teams.
• Experience contributing to scientific publications and presentations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct coral-reef field surveys and coordinate logistics, permits and local collaborators.
• Lead underwater photogrammetry and data collection using diving procedures.
• Process imagery in Metashape to produce 3D models and outputs.
• Maintain secure, quality-controlled databases for imagery and datasets.
• Analyze reef structure and ecology; contribute to figures, reports and publications.
• Support team training, equipment maintenance and other duties from the PI.

Skills

Scientific diving

Photogrammetry

Data analysis

Field coordination

Database management

Technical reporting

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in marine biology/science

Tools

Agisoft Metashape

Job description

The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) at Nanyang Technological University conducts research on natural hazards, climate and environmental change, with a strong focus on Southeast Asia. The Coral Reef Eco-Geomorphology Group combines field ecology, scientific diving, photogrammetry and quantitative analysis to understand how reef structure and ecological function influence coral-reef resilience.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support a regional programme investigating coral reefs across South and Southeast Asia. The role will coordinate field activities, collect and process large-area plot photogrammetry datasets, manage multi-site research databases, and contribute to scientific analysis and outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct coral-reef field surveys and coordinate logistics, equipment, safety documentation, permits and local collaborators.
• Lead underwater photogrammetry and associated ecological data collection using approved scientific-diving procedures.
• Process imagery in Agisoft Metashape to produce quality-controlled 3D models, orthomosaics and analytical outputs.
• Maintain documented, secure and quality-controlled databases for imagery, metadata, models and derived ecological datasets.
• Analyse reef structure and ecological function and contribute to figures, reports, presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
• Support team training, equipment maintenance and other project duties assigned by the PI.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marine biology, marine science, ecology, environmental science or a related field.
• Demonstrated coral-reef fieldwork and scientific-diving experience; Divemaster-level certification or above is strongly preferred.
• Experience with underwater photogrammetry and Agisoft Metashape, including generation and quality control of 3D model outputs.
• Working knowledge of coral-reef ecology and basic coral identification.
• Strong database-management, organisational, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work in remote locations and diverse international teams.
• Experience contributing to scientific publications and presentations is preferred.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU