Research Engineer (LLM for Construction Safety)

National University of Singapore; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 46,461 - 69,691; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore (NUS) invites applications for a Research Engineer to join the MIDAS project, advancing an AI-driven advisory platform for construction safety. You will focus on multimodal data ingestion and the RAG-based LLM reasoning engine, designing algorithms and collaborating with diverse teams.

Ideal candidates have a strong publication record, proficiency in Python/ Matlab, and experience with BIM/IFC and graph databases, with openness to fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Built Environment, Computer Science or related field.
• Masters would be preferred.
• Evidence of strong publication record in top journals.
• Proficiency in Python or Matlab for automation and data analysis tasks.
• Familiarity with LLMs and RAG architectures.
• Experience with BIM, IFC, and graph databases.
• Strong research experience in robotics or scene graphs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design algorithms for the MIDAS platform and RAG-based LLM reasoning engine.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance AI-driven design-for-safety tooling.
• Lead groups of student interns and oversee research tasks.
• Ingest multimodal data (text, images, BIM) and integrate it into the platform.

Skills

Python

Matlab

Publication track record

Strong communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Civil Engineering or related)

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

BIM

IFC

Graph databases

Job description

Research Engineer (LLM for Construction Safety)

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Civil and Environmental Engineering

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Posted On: 16/04/2026

Job Description

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Engineer to join a groundbreaking, government-funded research project: MIDAS. This project aims to transform Design for Safety (DfS) in the construction and built environment sectors by developing an advanced, AI-driven advisory platform. MIDAS will leverage Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and multimodal data (text, images, and Building Information Models) to proactively identify design risks and recommend mitigation measures throughout a project's lifecycle.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in assisting with the core technical development of the MIDAS platform, specifically focusing on multimodal data ingestion and the RAG-based LLM reasoning engine. Key responsibilities include designing the algorithms, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, and leading groups of student interns.

Job Requirements

• At least a bachelor's in Civil Engineering, Built Environment, Computer Science or related field from a reputable university. Masters will be preferred.
• Evidence of strong publication record in top academic journals.
• Proficiency in programming languages, particularly in Python or Matlab for automation and data analysis tasks.
• Familiarity working with Large Language Models and building RAG architectures.
• Familiarity with BIM, IFC and graph databases.
• Strong research experience, specifically in past research projects related to robotics or scene graphs is required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Open to fixed-term contract.