Research Associate (NIE-SoLEC)

NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Singapore is seeking a Research Associate for the Science of Learning in Education Centre. This 24-month position involves leading the design of Physically Active Learning interventions for adult learners. The role requires a Master's degree in relevant fields and experience in research project management. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and abilities in neurophysiological methods. Responsibilities include project coordination, data analysis, and research dissemination. Applied candidates should show motivation for enhancing learning through effective pedagogy.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Educational or Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Exercise Science, or Education Research.
• Experience leading research projects and preparing manuscripts.
• Familiarity with educational intervention design and evaluation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of the PAL intervention.
• Coordinate activities between interdisciplinary teams.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Prepare research reports and publications.

Skills

Designing experimental studies

Communicating effectively

Collaborating in teams

Neurophysiological methods

Education

Masters degree in Educational or Cognitive Neuroscience

Tools

EEG

fNIRS

Eye-tracking

Eye-tracking

Job description

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of one Research Associate on a 24-month contract at the Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC).

Project Title

Active Learning STRategies for adult learners - The ALL STAR project

Project Introduction

Singapore’s aging workforce faces increasing challenges in adapting to rapid technological disruption the growing demand for lifelong learning. To address these issues, this project explores an innovative approach to adult education through Physically Active Learning (PAL), integrating purposeful, low‑intensity movements into classroom teaching to enhance attention, engagement, and cognitive performance.

Grounded in the science of embodied cognition, the study aims to co‑develop and evaluate PAL pedagogies tailored for Singapore’s adult learners. Adapted from the TransformUS!™ Higher Ed program (Deakin University), the intervention will be implemented in local Institutes of Higher Learning and tested for its impact on learning outcomes, knowledge retention, and neurobiological mechanisms such as working memory and interbrain synchrony.

The project brings together an interdisciplinary team from NIE/NTU, SUSS, and Deakin University, combining expertise in neuroscience, pedagogy, and adult education. Ultimately, it seeks to pioneer a new model of adult learning that enhances adaptability, cognitive health, and collaboration, equipping Singapore’s workforce to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Requirements

• A Masters degree in either Educational or Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology (Educational or Cognitive), Exercise Science, or Education Research.
• Experience in designing and conducting experimental studies involving human participants.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects, prepare manuscripts, and contribute to scholarly publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with neurophysiological or neuroimaging methods (e.g., EEG, fNIRS, hyperscanning, eye‑tracking).

Preferred

• Familiarity with educational intervention design and evaluation, especially within higher education or adult learning contexts.
• Knowledge of embodied cognition, physically active learning, or movement‑based pedagogies.
• Experience with mixed‑methods research (quantitative + qualitative).
• Interest in translating neuroscience and movement science into practical educational applications.
• Motivated to contribute to research that enhances learning and cognitive wellbeing through movement and pedagogy.

Responsibilities

• Project Design and Coordination:
  • Lead the design and development of the PAL intervention adapted for adult learners based on the TransformUS!™ framework.
  • Coordinate multi‑institutional activities between NIE/NTU, SUSS, and Deakin University.
  • Develop research protocols, ethics applications, and implementation timelines.
• Experimental Implementation:
  • Oversee the delivery of PAL interventions in partner Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).
  • Work closely with instructors and participants to ensure fidelity of implementation and data integrity.
  • Manage participant recruitment, scheduling, and logistics for classroom‑based studies.
• Data Collection and Analysis:
  • Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including behavioral and psychometric data.
  • Maintain accurate databases and ensure compliance with research ethics and data security standards.
• Research Dissemination:
  • Prepare research reports, publications, and conference presentations.
  • Contribute to the development of grant applications and future project proposals.
  • Support translation of research findings into evidence‑based pedagogical recommendations and training resources for educators.
• Team Collaboration and Mentorship:
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members across institutions.
  • Supervise and mentor Research Assistants and student interns.
  • Participate actively in regular project meetings and research workshops.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Workday Job Requisition ID: R00022746

https://ntu.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/NTU-Main-Campus-Singapore/Research-Associate--Science-of-Learning-in-Education-Centre---NIE-_R00022746-1

Closing Date

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