Research Assistant (Learning Sciences & Assessment Department) [NIE]

Nanyang Technological University Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute of Education invites applications for a Research Assistant on an 18-month contract in the Learning Sciences & Assessment Department. The project explores ReguLearn, an AI-powered chatbot, to enhance students’ self-regulated learning at secondary and JC levels.

Responsibilities include literature reviews, instrument design, data collection and management, AI/chatbot development support, and coordinating research activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Engineering, CS or related field.
• Knowledge of research methods.
• Experience in AI and development skills.
• Strong administrative and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize relevant research findings.
• Prepare research instruments, protocols, and interview schedules.
• Recruit participants and coordinate outreach.
• Conduct interviews and coordinate fieldwork logistics.
• Data management: cleaning, coding, and analysis.
• Develop or support AI agents/chatbots for the project.
• Coordinate project administration and budget tasks.
• Attend meetings and summarize progress.
• Draft reports, presentations, and publications.

Skills

Research methods

AI experience

Administrative skills

Time management

Work under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Engineering, Computer Science or related field

Job description

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Assistant on an 18-month contract at the Learning Sciences & Assessment Department.

Project Title

Enhancing students’ self-regulated learning with generative AI-powered chatbots

Project Introduction

This research project aims to investigate how a generative AI-powered chatbot (called ReguLearn) can enhance students' self-regulated learning and socially shared self-regulated learning at the Secondary and JC levels. The main objectives are: (1) To design and develop chatbots using generative AI (Large Language Model, LLM) that support students' self-regulated learning based on self-regulated learning and socially shared self-regulated learning theories and principles; (2) To investigate the effects of intervention using AI-powered chatbots on (a) students’ self-regulated learning in individual settings and (b) socially shared self-regulated learning in group learning contexts; (3) To investigate moderating factors (e.g., motivation, self-efficacy) that could affect the intended outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
• Knowledge of research methods.
• Prior working experience in a similar research role, preferably within the education sector.
• Strong technical and development skills, with experience in AI.
• Excellent administrative skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent time management skills.

Preferred

• Proven experience in academic publishing.
• Proven experience in preparing and submitting applications for ethics clearance.
• Relevant work experience in, or knowledge of the Singapore school system.

Research Planning & Literature Work

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize relevant research findings.
• Prepare research instruments, protocols, and interview and fieldwork schedules.

Data Collection & Fieldwork

• Recruit research participants and coordinate participant outreach.
• Conduct interviews (in person or online) and arrange related logistics.
• Travel to field sites to collect data or samples, as required.

Data Management & Analysis

• Record, clean, verify, and maintain research data in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
• Enter, code, and organize research data in accordance with established protocols.
• Ensure research data are accessible and up-to-datefor the PI and research team.
• Conduct data analysis and support the discussion of findings with PI and research team.
• Maintain and update data management plan.

Technology & Systems Development

• Develop or support the development of AI agents/chatbots relevant to the research project.
• Maintain and update the research project’s shared drive and documentation systems.

Project Administration & Coordination

• Handle project-related enquiries and issues.
• Coordinate the procurement and management of research equipment, supplies, and other project resources.
• Monitor the project budget and support administrative processes.
• Coordinate arrangements for visits by external consultants.

Meetings & Communication

• Attend project meetings, seminars, and other relevant events.
• Assist in taking minutes, as required.
• Summarize research findings and prepare progress updates.

Writing & Dissemination

• Draft research reports, presentations, articles, and publication materials.

Team Support & Leadership

• Provide guidance to student assistants, as required.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 14 calendar days from date of posting.

Hiring Institution: NIE