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Research Assistant/Associate, Health Data Science [LKCMedicine] - Job Opportunity at Nanyang Technological University

Novena, Singapore
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
SGD 45,000 - 65,000 per year. Research Assistant positions typically range from SGD 45,000-55,000 annually, while Research Associate positions with advanced degrees can expect SGD 55,000-65,000. Singapore's competitive research sector and NTU's international standing support salaries at the higher end of academic research ranges, particularly for roles involving specialized skills in data science and epidemiological modeling.

Benefits

Access to cutting-edge medical research facilities at a leading technological university
Opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary collaborative environment with diverse learning opportunities
Exposure to international research partnerships through NTU-Imperial College London collaboration
Professional development through leading publications in peer-reviewed journals
Networking opportunities with national and international research institutions
Career advancement potential within Singapore's premier healthcare and technology ecosystem

Key Responsibilities

Drive the development of sophisticated epidemiological models to assess epidemic potential and instantaneous transmissibility of infectious diseases, directly contributing to public health preparedness and response strategies
Lead the creation of large-scale spatial modeling frameworks to predict medium to long-term infectious disease burden, influencing healthcare resource allocation and policy decisions
Conduct comprehensive literature reviews that shape research direction and establish the scientific foundation for groundbreaking studies in health data science
Spearhead advanced statistical and data science analyses using high-frequency datasets, generating actionable insights for infectious disease surveillance and control
Take ownership of research communication through leading the preparation of reports, presentations, and high-impact publications that advance the field of health data science
Drive innovation by generating novel research questions that address critical gaps in understanding the intersection of environment, climate change, and infectious diseases
Establish and maintain strategic research collaborations with national and international institutions, expanding the global reach and impact of the research program

Requirements

Education

Masters (Research Associate), Bachelors (Research Assistant), or equivalent in a related discipline. I.e statistics/epidemiology/data science. Post-graduate qualifications in other quantitative disciplines are welcome to apply

Experience

Background and research experience in epidemiology

Required Skills

A strong interest in infectious diseases, spatial statistics and health data science Ability to communicate findings effectively Ability to work in a diverse and large team of researchers Well-organized and has an eye for details Possess good written and verbal communication skills Possess the ability to work effectively in teams Have strong proficiency in Statistical software (R) Have familiarity in other programming languages, for example Python/C/C++ Have a strong interest in learning quantitative skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The integration of artificial intelligence and precision medicine in healthcare is rapidly expanding, creating unprecedented demand for professionals who can bridge clinical medicine with advanced data science methodologies. This convergence is particularly evident in infectious disease modeling where real-time data analytics and predictive modeling have become critical for public health responses, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate change and environmental health research is experiencing significant growth as governments and health organizations recognize the increasing impact of environmental factors on disease patterns and public health outcomes. Singapore's position as a tropical climate research hub makes it particularly valuable for studying these intersections. Spatial epidemiology and geospatial health analytics are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the availability of high-resolution satellite data, mobile phone tracking data, and IoT sensors, creating new opportunities for researchers who can work with large-scale, high-frequency datasets to understand disease transmission patterns across different geographical scales.

Role Significance

The position involves working within a 'growing and energetic team' under Assistant Professor Lim Jue Tao, suggesting a team size of 5-8 researchers including PhD students, postdocs, and research staff. The collaborative nature with national and international institutions indicates involvement in larger research consortiums of 15-25 researchers across multiple institutions.
This role represents a mid-tier research position with significant autonomy and leadership responsibilities. Despite the entry to mid-level classification, the emphasis on 'leading' analyses and publications, generating research questions, and managing international collaborations indicates substantial independence and potential for rapid career advancement within the academic research hierarchy.

Key Projects

Development of real-time infectious disease surveillance systems using machine learning and spatial analytics for Singapore's Ministry of Health and regional health organizations Climate-health modeling projects examining the impact of temperature, humidity, and extreme weather events on vector-borne disease transmission in Southeast Asia International collaborative studies on pandemic preparedness and response optimization using mathematical modeling and data science approaches Cross-disciplinary research projects integrating environmental data, demographic information, and health outcomes to understand disease burden across different populations and geographical regions

Success Factors

Proficiency in advanced statistical modeling and programming languages, particularly R and Python, combined with a deep understanding of epidemiological principles and spatial statistics. The ability to work with complex, high-dimensional datasets and translate findings into actionable public health insights will be crucial for success in this role. Strong scientific communication skills and the ability to lead publication efforts in high-impact journals while effectively collaborating with diverse, international research teams. Success will depend on the ability to bridge technical expertise with clear communication to both academic and policy audiences. Adaptability and continuous learning mindset given the rapidly evolving nature of health data science and the integration of new technologies like AI and machine learning in epidemiological research. The successful candidate will need to stay current with methodological advances and emerging tools in the field. Project management and leadership capabilities to effectively coordinate multiple concurrent research projects while maintaining attention to detail and meeting publication deadlines. The role requires balancing independent research with collaborative teamwork across different time zones and cultural contexts.

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased focus on pandemic preparedness, climate health research, and the growing integration of data science in medical research. Singapore's strategic position as a regional healthcare and research hub, combined with government investments in precision medicine and health technology, creates strong job security and growth prospects in this field.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Statistical software proficiency, particularly in R, is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation for all epidemiological modeling and data analysis work. The ability to manipulate large datasets, implement complex statistical models, and create reproducible research workflows using R will determine daily productivity and research quality. This skill directly impacts the ability to contribute meaningfully to high-impact publications and collaborative research projects. Background and research experience in epidemiology provides the theoretical framework and methodological understanding necessary to design appropriate studies, interpret results correctly, and identify meaningful research questions. Without this foundation, even strong technical skills cannot compensate for the lack of domain expertise required to conduct rigorous health research that meets publication standards and contributes to scientific knowledge. Communication skills, both written and verbal, are critical for success in this role due to the emphasis on leading publications, presenting findings, and collaborating with diverse international teams. The ability to translate complex statistical findings into clear, actionable insights for both academic and policy audiences directly impacts research impact and career advancement opportunities.

Beneficial Skills

Programming proficiency in Python, C, or C++ enhances computational capabilities and opens opportunities for more sophisticated modeling approaches, machine learning applications, and integration with emerging health technology platforms. These skills become increasingly valuable as health data science evolves toward more complex analytical approaches. Spatial statistics expertise provides specialized knowledge that is particularly valuable for the environmental and climate change aspects of the research program. This skill set is relatively rare and highly sought after in the growing field of environmental health, providing competitive advantages for career advancement and research funding opportunities. International research collaboration experience and cultural competency become increasingly important as the role involves working with diverse teams across different countries and cultural contexts. These soft skills facilitate more effective partnerships and can lead to expanded research opportunities and career networks.

Unique Aspects

This role offers the rare opportunity to contribute to the establishment and growth of a new medical school that uniquely integrates artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and medical humanities from its foundation, positioning researchers at the forefront of next-generation medical education and research.
The position provides access to Singapore's exceptional healthcare data infrastructure and the opportunity to work with National Healthcare Group, a leader in public healthcare, offering real-world application opportunities for research findings and direct impact on public health policy and practice.
The international collaborative aspect with researchers across multiple countries provides exceptional networking opportunities and exposure to diverse research methodologies and cultural approaches to health data science, enhancing both professional development and research impact.
The focus on climate change and environmental health research positions this role at the intersection of two critical global challenges, offering the opportunity to contribute to research that addresses some of the most pressing health issues of the 21st century while building expertise in an increasingly important field.

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing researchers, with opportunities for rapid progression given Singapore's investment in health technology and the growing demand for expertise in infectious disease modeling and health data science.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Fellow or Principal Research Scientist positions within 3-5 years, leading larger research programs and securing independent research funding Academic track progression to Lecturer/Assistant Professor positions at universities with strong health data science or epidemiology programs Industry transition to Senior Data Scientist or Epidemiologist roles at pharmaceutical companies, health technology firms, or public health organizations Policy and consulting roles with government health agencies, WHO, or international development organizations focusing on health systems and pandemic preparedness

Company Overview

Nanyang Technological University

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is consistently ranked among the world's top universities and is recognized as Singapore's flagship technological university. The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine represents NTU's ambitious entry into medical education through a prestigious partnership with Imperial College London, positioning it as a leader in innovative medical education that integrates technology, data science, and traditional medical training.

NTU holds a dominant position in Singapore's higher education landscape and ranks consistently in the top 15 globally for engineering and technology. The university's emphasis on innovation, industry partnerships, and research excellence makes it a highly respected employer in the academic and research sectors, with strong connections to both local and international research communities.
As Singapore's premier technological university, NTU serves as a regional hub for research and innovation in Southeast Asia. The institution's strategic partnerships with leading global universities and strong ties to Singapore's government initiatives in smart nation development and healthcare innovation provide exceptional opportunities for international collaboration and career advancement.
NTU fosters a dynamic, multicultural research environment that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its integration of technology across all fields creates an intellectually stimulating workplace where researchers are encouraged to pursue cutting-edge projects and maintain strong international collaborations.
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