Job Description

Research Assistant - Department of Architecture (for “Assessing Cities: A SCoRE Methodology” Project)

We are seeking suitable candidates to apply for one Research Assistant position at the Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environment (SDE), National University of Singapore (NUS).

The Project

The successful applicant will be part of an inter-disciplinary research project entitled “Assessing Cities: A SCoRE (Societal Comprehensive Reflective Estimate) Methodology”. The project is a collaboration between the Nanyang Technological University (NTU, host institution), NUS and The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore. It is funded through the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), under the Cities of Tomorrow (CoT) Research and Development Programme.

The main aims of the project are:

• to develop and validate a multi-perspective framework and system that would enable the collection and aggregation of select information on various static and dynamic indicators covering distinct aspects of urban life (economic, societal, environmental, health and attitudinal dimensions); and

to derive a composite index indicative of the Singapore Pulse and present visualizations of changes to the index on a real time basis. More specifically, this research position will involve the development a set of interactive city design/planning guidelines and recommendations based on indicators and outliers that are measured and reported in all research work-packages (including other research collaborators), using extensive GIS mapping and analysis (or using similar platforms). The research activities have started on 1 July 2021 and will end on 30 June 2023. The earliest starting date of the appointment is 01 November 2021. Duration of the appointment is until 30 June 2023 (i.e., max 20 months). National University of Singapore is a comprehensive university, that is ranked 1st in Asia, and 11th globally (according to QS World University Rankings of 2021). Department of Architecture has also been consistently ranked top 10 in the same ranking (6th in 2021).

Job Requirements

Literature (and guidelines, digital tools) review; Data collection and integration; GIS mapping, data analysis (spatial and statistical) and visualisation at different scales (regional, planning zone, planning sub-zone); Documentation of research done (writing research reports, preparing/giving presentations – progress updates to stakeholders and team members, and writing joint publications, e.g., conference papers and journal articles); Development of design/city planning and management guidelines based on synthesis of data analysis; Coordination and communication, administrative work (e.g. procurement of data, equipment and software, if any, reimbursement of incurred costs), backing up of research data and documents. At least Bachelor’s and preferably Master’s degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, geography, computing sciences, or a closely related field from a reputable university; Experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analytics (e.g. ArcMap, GEODA, Fragstats), or other similar platforms, with good understanding of data formats and standards; Additional computer programming or scripting skills are highly desirable; Good understanding of statistics (e.g., SPSS, ANOVA, spatial regression modelling); Good understanding of urban planning/urban design indicators and guidelines; familiarity with Singapore context will be an asset; Fluent in English, with evidence of excellent writing and communication skills; Good skills in working both independently and in team; good time management, systematic approach and attention to detail.