Researcher/Senior Researcher (Greenery Planning & Design) (Geospatial Modelling Lab) – Contract

National Parks Board; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Singapore seeks a Geospatial Modeller to bridge research and policy in urban development. The role involves leveraging data science to assess ecosystem services and inform policy decisions. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree in a relevant field, expertise in geospatial modelling and analytics, and proficiency in programming languages such as R and Python. You will be part of a team enhancing Singapore's urban environment through advanced analytical techniques, with an employment contract until December 31, 2028.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in geography, urban planning, environmental science, or related fields.
• Experience in ecosystem services modelling and valuation.
• Strong geospatial modelling and data analytics skills.

Responsibilities

• Leverage urban data science to model ecosystem services.
• Lead geospatial modelling initiatives to address real operational challenges.
• Transform analytical insights into actionable guidance for urban development.
• Build NParks' urban data science and geospatial analytics capabilities.

Skills

Geospatial modelling

Data analytics

R

Python

Machine learning

Education

Postgraduate degree in relevant fields

Tools

Large-scale geospatial datasets

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 are establishing a geospatial modelling team where your work won't just advance academic knowledge but also inform policy decisions and guide how Singapore plans, develops, and manages its 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 will apply advanced urban analytics to bridge the gap between research and policy by:

• Leveraging urban data science: Harness large‑scale geospatial datasets and advanced analytics to model ecosystem services (thermal cooling, stormwater management, recreational benefits) and assess accessibility‑based service levels across Singapore's urban landscape
• Leading applied analytics projects: Scope and manage geospatial modelling initiatives that combine spatial statistics, machine learning, and urban systems analysis to address real operational challenges
• Translating data into action: Work with policymakers, planners, and cross‑functional teams to transform complex analytical insights into actionable guidance for Singapore's urban development
• Building analytical capacity: Advance NParks' capabilities in urban data science, geospatial analytics, and computational modelling for urban ecosystems

What we are looking for

• Postgraduate degree in geography, urban planning, urban economics, environmental science, ecology, environmental economics, data science, or related fields
• Experience in ecosystem services modelling, ecosystem services valuation and/or natural capital accounting
• Strong geospatial modelling and data analytics skills, including experience working with large urban datasets and conducting spatial and statistical analysis
• Able to build dashboards or simple applications to facilitate user interaction with data
• Proficiency in R, Python, Javascript, or similar coding languages for data analysis and visualization

Preferably, candidates should possess:

• Track record in urban data science and analytics projects, particularly ecosystem service modelling, and integrated valuation
• Experience with advanced analytical techniques (spatial statistics, machine learning, network analysis) applied to urban systems
• Research grant and/or project management experience
• 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.