Research Associate

SINGAPORE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Singapore is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant for a project on urban ecological corridors. The role involves conducting socio-spatial analyses, GIS mapping, and BIM modeling. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s degree in Urban Planning or Civil Engineering and proficiency in BIM and GIS software. Strong communication skills and teamwork are essential. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to urban ecological research in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in BIM software is essential.
• Demonstrated experience with GIS software is critical.
• Prior experience with conducting surveys is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site spatial and environmental mapping.
• Perform GIS mapping using various datasets.
• Lead data collection and analysis for social surveys.
• Collaborate with the team for data cleaning and analysis.

Skills

BIM software proficiency

GIS software proficiency

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Urban planning, Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Introduction

Urban Ecological Corridors: Multifunctional Corridors for People and Ecology at the Singapore-ETH Centre seeks a highly motivated and dedicated Research Assistant to join an ongoing research project to conduct socio-spatial analyses of urban natureways in Singapore. The overarching aim of this project is to better understand the interactions between ecological elements and human activities in these areas to design strategies for a harmonious existence.

Project Background

The Urban Ecological Corridors: Multifunctional Corridors for People and Ecology is a research study under the URA’s Cities of Tomorrow grant, led by Singapore University of Technology and Design and co-led by Singapore-ETH Centre Future Cities Laboratory Global. Launched in 2017, the Cities of Tomorrow (CoT) R&D programme is MND’s flagship R&D programme to develop cutting-edge solutions for the Urban Solutions and Sustainability domain. This research aims to quantitatively assess the functioning of existing urban ecological corridors to enhance their effectiveness. Focusing on the interactions between ecological features and human activities, the study promotes the co-location of people and wildlife through safe, shared spaces. Using five key corridor elements—Park Connector Networks, Cycling Paths, Parks and Gardens, Nature Ways, and Forest Patches—as case studies, the research explores socio-ecological dynamics. It highlights both beneficial and adverse human-nature interactions, ultimately seeking to identify distinct interaction zones and recommend design strategies for fostering harmonious urban-ecological coexistence.

Task/Job Description

This role will work on the socio-spatial analyses of case studies selected in the project. The role involves supporting the on-site and GIS mapping, and BIM modelling of the case studies for spatial, environmental, social and ecological parameters. Responsibilities include preparing and processing externally sourced and on-site data, as well as troubleshooting technical issues during GIS and BIM analysis. The role also requires leading social surveys, analysing multiple datasets, interpreting results, and working collaboratively with the team to document and summarise research findings, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout.

Job Scopes

• Conduct on-site spatial and environmental mapping of case studies
• Conduct the GIS mapping of case studies using externally sourced and on-site data for environmental and ecological parameters
• Conduct BIM analyses of multiple datasets for environmental (thermal, wind, etc.) modelling
• Lead data collection for social surveys
• Assist and collaborate with the team for data collection, data cleaning and troubleshooting during analyses, design scenario modelling
• Documentation (reports, visualisations, potentially conference papers and journal papers)

Job Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with the following expertise and skills:

• Master’s degree in Urban planning, Civil Engineering or related field
• Strong proficiency in BIM software
• Strong proficiency in GIS software
• Prior research or design experience on spatial (public transit accessibility analyses, etc.) and environmental (thermal/wind analyses, etc.) parameters is preferred
• Prior experience with conducting surveys is required
• Good communication skills and interpersonal skills
• A good team player