Research Assistant (Coral Reef Science)

ntu; Singapore; On-site; SGD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

NTU's Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) seeks a Research Assistant to support coral-reef research across South and Southeast Asia. You will coordinate field activities, collect large photogrammetry datasets, and manage multi-site databases while contributing to scientific analyses and outputs.

The role involves field surveys, underwater photogrammetry using Metashape, and collaboration with international teams to generate robust ecological insights for publications and presentations.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Fieldwork planning

Scientific diving

Data management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in marine biology or related field

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