Research Assistant (English Language and Literature)[NIE]

Nanyang Technological University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Singapore seeks a Research Assistant in the English Language and Literature department. The role involves designing experimental protocols, developing AI-enhanced materials, and conducting analyses. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and expertise in generative AI tools. The position offers a 12-month renewable contract and opportunities for interdisciplinary research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in linguistics, language assessment, or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in generative AI tools.
• Strong background in quantitative and computational methods.

Responsibilities

• Designing experimental protocols integrating generative AI.
• Developing AI-enhanced materials and tools.
• Preparing reports for the Principal Investigator.

Skills

Expertise in generative AI tools

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in R

Communication skills in English

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's or doctoral degree preferred

Tools

EEG

fNIRS

SuperLab

Replit

Job description

Research Assistant (English Language and Literature)[NIE] page is loaded

Research Assistant (English Language and Literature)[NIE]

Apply locations NTU Main Campus, Singapore time type Full time posted on Posted Yesterday time left to apply End Date: August 12, 2025 (11 days left to apply) job requisition id R00021064

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Assistant on a renewable 12-month contract at the English Language and Literature (ELL) department.

Project Title: The Nature of Human-AI Interactions in Multimodal Academic Lecture Assessment: A Generative AI and Sensor Technology Investigation [ARC 2/25 VSA

Project Introduction:

Recent developments in generative AI are transforming how we create educational content and assess language skills. Tools that generate spoken or video-based content, as well as conversational AI systems, are increasingly used in language learning and testing. These technologies hold significant promise—but also raise important questions about how learners interact with and respond to AI-driven materials.

This project investigates how learners engage with educational content and interactive systems powered by generative AI. It explores the neurobiological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of listening and conversation in academic settings, focusing on the ways learners process spoken input, engage with digital characters, and experience language-based interaction in AI-enhanced environments. The study involves two phases. One focuses on how learners respond to academic input in various formats, and the other explores user interaction with conversational systems built on generative AI. Across both phases, the project will use a range of behavioral, neurophysiological, and self-report measures to gain a well-rounded understanding of user engagement and comprehension. The findings are expected to inform future practices in using AI technology, language assessment, and learner-centered design.

Requirements:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in linguistics, language assessment, clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, or a closely related field
• Applicants holding a master’s or doctoral degree are preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in generative AI tools, including text-to-speech (TTS), large language models (LLMs), text-to-video (TTV), automatic speech recognition (ASR), or their combination
• Working knowledge of neuroimaging techniques such as EEG and fNIRS (project-based training will be available)
• Theoretical and/or practical familiarity with eye-tracking methodologies (training will be provided)
• Theoretical and/or practical familiarity with programming languages such as Python and R
• Strong background in quantitative and computational methods (training will be available during the project)
• Strong motivation for scientific inquiry, effective collaboration skills, and a constructive team-oriented mindset
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred

• Experience with experiment presentation software (e.g., SuperLab)
• Familiarity with cloud-based integrated development environments (IDEs), such as Replit
• Prior involvement in interdisciplinary research projects (e.g., combining cognitive science and computer science)
• Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations

Responsibilities:

• Designing experimental protocols and research instruments that integrate generative AI technologies
• Developing AI-enhanced materials and tools, including listening tasks and GenAI-based conversational systems
• Conducting quantitative and computational analyses using programming languages such as Python and R
• Preparing clear, well-documented reports and updates for the Principal Investigator (PI)
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary team members to refine experimental design and ensure methodological rigor
• Assisting with the preparation of academic publications, conference presentations, and research dissemination activities
• Managing data processing pipelines, including preprocessing and visualization of neuroimaging and behavioral data
• Supporting the implementation and testing of cloud-based tools and integrated development environments as needed
• Other responsibilities assigned by the PI

Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 21 calendar days from date of posting.

Hiring Institution: NIE

About Us

NTU is also home to world-class autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Earth Observatory of Singapore, and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI) and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N).

Ranked amongst the world’s top universities by QS, NTU has also been named the world’s top young university for the past seven years. The University’s main campus is frequently listed among the Top 15 most beautiful university campuses in the world and has 57 Green Mark-certified (equivalent to LEED-certified) buildings, of which 95% are certified Green Mark Platinum. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district.

Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources.