Research Assistant (Urban Microclimate Modeling and Graph Neural Networks)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore is seeking a Research Assistant for the UrbanHeatMap project focused on scalable ambient temperature mapping. The role involves working closely with a research team to build datasets and assist with urban heat research across Singapore.

Candidates should hold a relevant degree and possess skills in data processing and analysis, particularly with environmental and spatial datasets. The role requires outdoor fieldwork and offers an opportunity to engage in pivotal research addressing urban climate issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field with strong quantitative and computational components.
• Experience or strong interest in working with environmental, spatial, or time‑series datasets.
• Willingness to conduct outdoor fieldwork in Singapore.

Responsibilities

• Support outdoor microclimate measurement campaigns across selected sites.
• Process and organise datasets from various field sensing platforms.
• Assist in preparing figures, tables, and technical documentation for project meetings.

Skills

Data processing skills using Python, R, MATLAB

Good organisational skills

Attention to detail in data management

Good written and verbal communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Environmental Science, or related fields

Tools

GIS tools (QGIS or ArcGIS)

Microclimate simulation tools (e.g., ENVI‑met)

Job description

Job Title: Research Assistant (Urban Microclimate Modeling and Graph Neural Networks)

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: The Built Environment

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 30/06/2026

Job Description

To support the UrbanHeatMap project, which aims to develop scalable, high-resolution ambient temperature mapping methods by integrating outdoor microclimate measurements, mobile sensing data, satellite-derived land surface temperature, and urban morphology information. The Research Assistant will work closely with Research Fellows and the Principal Investigator in generating high-quality field validation datasets and supporting data-driven urban heat research across selected test‑bed sites in Singapore. This role is suitable for candidates interested in urban climate, environmental sensing, outdoor thermal comfort, and data‑driven approaches to urban heat mitigation.

Urban Microclimate Measurement And Field Campaigns

• Contribute to the planning and execution of outdoor microclimate measurement campaigns across selected HDB precincts and test‑bed sites, including NUS campus and SIT Punggol Digital District.
• Support the development and implementation of field measurement protocols to ensure data consistency, repeatability, and scientific validity across different sites and measurement periods.
• Ensure that field measurements are properly synchronised with project requirements, including model validation, sensor comparison, and site‑level urban heat assessment.

Microclimate Data Processing And Quality Assurance

• Process and organise datasets collected from stationary, mobile weather stations, drone‑related measurements, and other field sensing platforms.
• Conduct data quality assurance and quality control.
• Prepare clean, georeferenced, and well‑documented datasets for modelling, validation, and analysis by linking sensor measurements with GPS coordinates, site information, and urban morphology attributes.
• Support analysis and visualisation of microclimate patterns, including temporal trends, spatial variation, site comparisons, and summary statistics.

Research Analysis And Project Deliverables

• Support the interpretation of field measurement results in relation to urban heat island effects, outdoor thermal comfort, and local urban morphology.
• Assist in preparing figures, tables, maps, technical summaries, and presentation materials for project meetings, reports, and stakeholder updates.
• Contribute to literature reviews and technical documentation related to urban microclimate measurement, environmental sensing, outdoor thermal comfort, and urban heat mitigation.
• Contribute to the preparation of research outputs, technical reports, and academic publications.
• Participate in project meetings and coordinate with internal and external collaborators.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Urban Building Science, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Urban Studies, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with strong quantitative and computational components.
• Experience or strong interest in working with environmental, spatial, or time‑series datasets.
• Familiarity with urban microclimate dynamics, urban heat island (UHI) effects, and thermal comfort indices (e.g., PET); experience with microclimate simulation tools (e.g., ENVI‑met) is advantageous but not required.
• Data processing skills using Python, R, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail in data management, field documentation, and research workflow.
• Willingness to conduct outdoor fieldwork in Singapore as part of microclimate measurement campaigns.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience with environmental sensors, weather stations, thermal comfort instruments, GPS devices, mobile sensing platforms, or other field measurement equipment.
• Experience with microclimate data, meteorological data, spatial data, time‑series data, or sensor data quality control.
• Familiarity with GIS tools such as QGIS or ArcGIS would be advantageous.
• Basic Python or R programming experience for data cleaning, visualisation, and quality control would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with urban morphology indicators such as sky view factor, greenery, building density, land use, surface materials, or urban canyon geometry would be advantageous.
• Prior experience in environmental monitoring, outdoor field measurement campaigns, urban climate research, or thermal comfort studies would be advantageous.

Req ID: 33562