Research Assistant (Urban Studies / Qualitative Focus)

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Singapore is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant for the SGHA-TGM project. The role involves qualitative research on household archetyping and urban geodemographics, contributing to better urban planning. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and have a strong foundation in qualitative research methods. Collaboration with data scientists and effective communication are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with qualitative research methods and data collection.
• Knowledge of spatial-social theories relevant to urban environments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and qualitative research.
• Synthesize insights from qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Collaborate with data scientists to ensure accuracy of archetypes.

Skills

Qualitative research

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Studies

Job description

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal.

Your application will be processed only if you apply via NUS Career Portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The Singapore Household Archetyping & Town Geodemographic Modelling (SGHA-TGM) project, commissioned by the Ministry of National Development, aims to build foundational knowledge in Singapore population geodemographics, with a particular emphasis on understanding household lifestyle preferences and their relationships with the built environment. The project is intended to develop the knowledge and technical capabilities to surface insights into the diverse socio‑spatial contexts of urban living in Singapore, to support urban planners in anticipating evolving needs, sensemaking sentiments on the ground, and fostering a more inclusive and liveable urban environment.

We seek a highly motivated Research Assistant to contribute to the qualitative components of the SGHA-TGM project. You will develop content for household archetyping, including the attitudes and lifestyle preferences of different population segments to frame household archetypes and ensure that data‑driven models remain coherent with real‑world dynamics and social‑spatial heterogeneity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and qualitative research to understand population heterogeneity, household/resident behaviors/preferences, and spatial‑social patterns in Singapore.
• Synthesise insights from qualitative and quantitative analysis (e.g., socio‑spatial arrangement, lifestyle, activity/mobility, gentrification, migration) and reflect on their implications for planning.
• Collaborate with data scientists to ensure that archetypes reflect real‑world diversity in values, behaviours, and aspirations, beyond what is captured in quantitative data.
• Contribute to formulation of theoretical frameworks linking built environment and household/resident characteristics.
• Prepare reports and presentations tailored to both academic and policy partners.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Studies, Human Geography, or other relevant disciplines.
• Familiarity with qualitative research and primary data collection methods, including the design and implementation of instruments such as survey/interviews, fieldwork, ethnographic work, case studies.
• Familiarity with spatial‑social theories and concepts relevant to cities (e.g., neighborhood effects, place‑based identity, spatial justice, identity/group formation), including household/resident’s mobility and decision‑making (housing, transport, daily activities, lifestyle preferences, aspirations).
• Resourceful and critical with good communication skills; able to work independently while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams of data scientists and planners.
• Strong conceptual thinking; able to bridge social theory and real‑world planning needs.

Preferred

• Familiarity with geodemographics or population segmentation (e.g., neighbourhood types, lifestyle groups).
• Familiarity with Singapore context or comparative urban settings.
• Curiosity about how household/resident archetypes evolve over time and space.