Researcher/Senior Researcher (Dashboard) (Geospatial Modelling Lab) - Contract

National Parks Board; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Singapore is seeking a Geospatial Modelling expert to develop map applications that visualize data for urban environmental decision-making. You will lead efforts in architecting interactive geospatial dashboards, translating complex data into user-friendly interfaces, and collaborating with policymakers. The ideal candidate has a postgraduate degree in relevant fields and experience in full stack development of geospatial tools. This role is pivotal in shaping evidence-based decisions regarding Singapore's natural capital.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in software engineering, data science, computer science, or related fields.
• Experienced full stack map application developer with interactive dashboard experience.
• Strong geospatial modelling and data analytics skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and architect map applications for decision making.
• Create user-friendly analytical interfaces for data accessibility.
• Transform geospatial datasets into actionable visualizations.

Skills

Full stack map application development

Geospatial modelling

Data analytics

Front-end frameworks

Back-end frameworks

User experience design

R

Python

Javascript

HTML

CSS

Education

Postgraduate degree in software engineering, data science, computer science, or urban spatial analytics

Tools

Mapbox

Leaflet

Shiny

Dash

PostgreSQL

Job description

Join the Centre for Science of Urban Nature (CSUN) at the National Parks Board NParks) and see your research directly shape Singapore's urban environment. We're stablishing a geospatial modelling team where your work won't just advance academic knowledge but also empower policymakers to make evidence-based decisions about Singapore's natural capital. CSUN conducts application-focused research across urban greenery and ecology, from arboriculture to human-nature relationships. Our mission is to translate cutting-edge science into practical solutions that enhance Singapore's tropical urban living environment.

What you will be working on

As part of our Geospatial Modelling team, you'll lead efforts to develop map applications to visualize and translate models developed by researchers into decision making tools for our users:

Architect and develop map applications for decision making: Develop and architectinfrastructure to build interactive geospatial dashboards and visualisation tools that enable policymakers to explore ecosystem services models (e.g. thermal cooling, stormwater management, recreational benefits) and accessibility metrics for evidence-based land use planning

Applications with user-friendly interfaces: Create user-friendly analytical interfaces that integrate spatial ecology models and ecosystem services assessments into NParks' policy workflows, making complex data accessible to non-technical stakeholders

Translating analytics into visual insights: Transform large-scale geospatial datasets and modelling outputs into clear, actionable visualisations that support real-time policy decisions and operational planning

Collaborating with end-users: Work closely with policymakers, planners, and cross-functional teams to understand their decision-making needs and iteratively refine dashboards for maximum policy impact

Building technical infrastructure: Work closely with the IT infrastructure team to put together the necessary software, frameworks and architecture to enable continuous development and deployment of research models for visualization on the application.

What we are looking for

• Postgraduate degree in software engineering, data science, computer science, urban spatial analytics or related fields. Candidates with demonstrated appreciation for environmental science, biology, spatial ecology models will also be considered.
• Experienced full stack map application developer, with demonstrated experience in architecting and developing interactive dashboards and geospatial data visualisation tools (e.g., using Mapbox, Leaflet, Shiny, Dash, or similar platforms), with fully functional models in the backend hosted on databases like PostgreSQL.
• Demonstrated experience for map applications within the government cloud infrastructure, and translating models developed by researchers into applications.
• Strong understanding of frontend/backend frameworks, libraries, infrastructure, and APIs needed to integrate frontend and backend.
• Self-starter and comfortable navigating unstructured environments, with willingness to innovate with constraints of legacy infrastructure.
• Strong geospatial modelling and data analytics skills, including experience working with large urban datasets
• Proficiency in R, Python, Javascript, HTML, CSS, or similar coding languages for data analysis and visualisation
• Expected to have to architect an entire map application infrastructure together with the IT department

Preferably, candidates should possess:

• Track record in building geospatial applications or web-based analytical tools for policy or operational decision-making, preferably in the government cloud environment.
• Good understanding of the considerations in translating research models, such as ecosystem services models, ecological models, carbon sequestration models into applications with good user interfaces.
• Experience with front-end, and back-end frameworks, APIs, database optimization.
• User experience (UX) design skills and experience conducting stakeholder consultations to inform dashboard development
• Experience with advanced analytical techniques (spatial statistics, machine learning, network analysis) applied to urban systems
• Demonstrated success working with diverse stakeholders (government agencies, vendors, academia)

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Successful candidates will be offered employment contract till 31 Dec 2028