Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for Research Assistant in the Department of Global Health, Dean’s Office, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. More information on the team’s work is available at https://www.mybrother.sg/. Appointments will be made on a 1-year contract basis in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.

Purpose of the post

The Research Assistant will be responsible to, and work closely with, the Principal Investigator and team members to engage, educate and empower vulnerable communities such as low-wage migrant workers for better health. He/she will investigate ways to strengthen the practice of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) with migrant workers through data collection, and possibly strengthen regional level research in outbreak control.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct literature reviews
• Prepare materials for submission to research journals, granting agencies and foundations
• Write up and amend research protocols for ethics approval (e.g. IRB, DSRB etc.)
• Conduct and record face-to-face and/or telephone interviews, surveys and polls with migrant workers to get insights on different topics, in accordance with predetermined interview protocol, data collection procedures and documentation standards
• Oversee data collection and quality assurance, interpret data and present results
• Prepare progress reports, other articles, reports, and presentations
• Provide ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researcher and/or supervisor

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• As appropriate to the specified position, code and verify data in accordance with specified research protocol and coding procedures and enter data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis (interviewee must be familiar with quantitative analysis, SPSS, and qualitative skillsets, use of NVivo, mixed methods and publication)
• Take part in research projects, and assimilate results, participate in publication-writing
• Solve scientific problems, think independently, and suggest creative solutions.
• Assist in evaluation and reporting of programmes
• Assist in developing educational curricula for students/practitioners to strengthen RCCE in Singapore and the region
• Attend project meetings, assist, and provide support on daily operation matters and any other duties that are delegated by the Principal Investigator

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Program and outreach coordination

• Support the team in project management of the applied research, including technical aspects such as budgeting/basic financial management and administrative tasks.
• Train and manage student volunteers and hired/volunteer translators
• Prepare training materials and educational curricula for migrant workers

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Digital outreach:

• Support in the development of health messaging via social media content or otherwise, by consolidating quantitative feedback and qualitative insights from migrant worker interviews, surveys and polls
• Provide copywriting support for social media platforms to reach migrant workers and volunteers.
• Assist in social media communication to support MBSG's digital content plans across different social media platforms to achieve needed distribution goals
• Execute social media campaigns to engage and build online communities among Singaporean youth/general population and migrant workers
• Plan and prepare research findings to articulate key findings on MyBrotherSG’s website, ensuring that it is engaging and informative, to aid partnerships and advocacy work.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
In-person outreach:

• Provide communications, coordination and logistical support for outreach activities and events for migrant workers. (E.g. Ensure activities are contextualized for migrant workers and assist with other necessary tasks)
• Participate in and oversee outreach events for migrant workers to ensure principles of RCCE are carried out. Outreaches are usually held up to twice a month and are usually during weekends and/or public holidays. Time-off on weekdays will be given.
• Plan and coordinate with the team, vendors, students, volunteers, and community partners to support these outreach efforts.
• Assist with volunteer and student management
• Support the team in project management of existing and new educational courses/programmes for the implementation of projects

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in relevant disciplines (e.g. Behavioural Science, Life science, Psychology, Health Sciences, Education, Social work, Social Services, Sociology, Psychology and Communications etc.) Minimum 1-2 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience working with migrant workers and related organisations may be an asset for this position
• Self-motivated, naturally takes ownership of assignments, and proactively proposes solutions to arising obstacles.
• Demonstrates passion, integrity and humility to learn new skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with a service-oriented attitude
• Individuals who are proficient in Tamil or Bengali would be an added advantage as the work involves interviewing migrant workers, many of whom speak these languages. However, the ability to work around language constraints creatively by leveraging on our translators is also an asset.
• Willing to travel off-site for data collection, including Recreation Centres and dormitories island-wide, and participate in migrant-worker related programmes with various stakeholders on selected weekends and public holidays, on an as-needed basis.
• Willing to work on weekends for events. Time off on weekdays will be given.
• You will be part of a passionate, mission-driven team and have access to professional development.

Application

Remuneration will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Tam Wai Jia, at waijia@nus.edu.sg and Rachel Hoa at rshlf@nus.edu.sg.

Formal application: Please submit your application, indicating current/expected salary, supported by a detailed CV (including personal particulars, academic and employment history, complete list of publications/oral presentations and full contacts of 2 referees to this job portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Covid-19 Message

At NUS, the health and safety of our staff and students are one of our utmost priorities, and COVID-vaccination supports our commitment to ensure the safety of our community and to make NUS as safe and welcoming as possible. Many of our roles require a significant amount of physical interactions with students/staff/public members. Even for job roles that may be performed remotely, there will be instances where on-campus presence is required.

Taking into consideration the health and well-being of our staff and students and to better protect everyone in the campus, applicants are strongly encouraged to have themselves fully COVID-19 vaccinated to secure successful employment with NUS.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Department: Dean's Office (Medicine)
Employee Referral Eligible: No
Job requisition ID: 16533