Research Assistant (Human-Computer Interaction)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore, CHILL, invites applications for a Research Assistant specializing in Human-Computer Interaction. The role spans technical product management and hands-on development across hardware, software, and XR, working closely with the Principal Investigator (A/Prof Suranga Nanayakkara).

The candidate will bridge user needs, technical implementation, and project goals. Key duties include end-to-end project management, hybrid system prototyping, qualitative user

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in HCI, CS, or related field.
• Proven experience with Agile/SCRUM and milestone planning.
• Experience with rapid prototyping and UI/UX design (Figma).
• Hands-on hardware-software integration experience.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage research projects end-to-end with defined scope and milestones.
• Design and prototyping of hybrid hardware–software demos and XR/VR apps.
• Conduct qualitative user research and usability evaluations.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and align timelines.
• Disseminate results via journals and conferences; assist grant proposals.

Skills

Project Management

UI/UX Design

Rapid Prototyping

Programming

Hardware Integration

Qualitative Research

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in HCI/CS

Tools

Unity

Flutter

Python

Blender

Siemens NX

Raspberry Pi

Job description

Job Title: Research Assistant (Human-Computer Interaction)

University-Level Unit: Centre for Holistic Inquiry into Lifelong Learning

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Research

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 25/08/2026

Job Description

The Centre for Holistic Inquiry into Lifelong Learning (CHILL) at the National University of Singapore is seeking a motivated Research Assistant with expertise in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), technical product management, and hands‑on development across hardware, software, and XR.

The Research Assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator (A/Prof Suranga Nanayakkara). The successful candidate will be responsible for managing open-ended research and innovation projects end‑to‑end, effectively bridging the gap between user needs, technical implementation, and overall project goals.

Major Responsibilities Include

• Project & Product Management: Manage research and development projects end‑to‑end, independently defining scope, setting milestones, and delivering iteratively using agile methodologies (e.g., SCRUM).
• Technical Implementation & Prototyping: Design and develop hybrid hardware-software demonstrators, interactive XR/VR applications, and multimodal interfaces (utilizing tools such as Unity, Flutter, and Python).
• Human‑Centered Research: Conduct qualitative user research, expert interviews, and usability evaluations to inform iterative, human‑centered prototyping and MVP creation.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Facilitate feedback sessions, align internal teams and external stakeholders, and moderate project timelines to ensure successful deliverables.
• Academic & Industry Engagement: Disseminate research outcomes via journal and conference papers, contribute to research grant proposals, and actively participate in industry project meetings and academic events.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Factors, Engineering Psychology, Human‑Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Project Management: Proven experience in Technical Product/Project Management, with a strong grasp of Agile/SCRUM practices, milestone planning, and iterative delivery.
• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in rapid prototyping, UI/UX design (Figma), and 3D modeling/CAD (Blender, Siemens NX, etc.).
• Programming & Integration: Strong hands‑on development skills using languages and frameworks such as Dart/Flutter, C#, Python, and web technologies, along with experience in hardware integration (e.g., Raspberry Pi, CAN-Bus).
• Research Methods: Solid background in qualitative user research, human‑centered design frameworks, and empirical research methods.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

Req ID: 34207