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Research Assistant/Associate (Mapping Population Preferences) - Job Opportunity at NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

Singapore, Singapore
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: May 28, 2025
On-site
SGD 45,000 - 65,000 per year based on Singapore academic research standards, with Research Assistant positions typically ranging SGD 45,000-55,000 and Research Associate positions reaching SGD 55,000-65,000, competitive within Southeast Asian academic research market

Benefits

Competitive salary package aligned with academic research standards and commensurate with qualifications
12-month initial contract with extension possibilities providing career stability in research environment
Association with prestigious National University of Singapore enhancing professional credibility
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources at leading public health institution
Professional development opportunities through involvement in international POPUP project
Academic environment fostering research skills development and publication opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement comprehensive population preference surveys to understand healthcare delivery preferences across diverse Singaporean demographics, directly influencing national health policy development
Conduct qualitative interviews with community members to gather in-depth insights on preventive healthcare engagement patterns, contributing to evidence-based healthcare transformation
Analyze preference variations across socioeconomic and demographic groups to identify health equity gaps and inform targeted intervention strategies
Contribute to mixed-methods research approach combining quantitative survey data with qualitative insights to provide comprehensive understanding of population health preferences
Support development of digital health engagement strategies by mapping how different population segments interact with technology-based healthcare solutions
Collaborate with multidisciplinary research team to translate findings into actionable recommendations for upstream prevention initiatives

Requirements

Education

Bachelor or Master's degree in related field such as Public Health, Social Sciences, etc

Experience

Prior experience with mixed-methods research or patient preference studies

Required Skills

Familiarity with survey methods or qualitative research techniques Familiarity with qualitative data software (e.g. Atlas.ti) and/or statistical packages (e.g. R or Stata) Experience in community health settings or working with underserved populations Interest in population health, digital health, and health equity
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Public health research is increasingly focusing on personalized and population-specific interventions, driven by recognition that one-size-fits-all approaches are insufficient for diverse populations. This shift toward precision public health is creating demand for researchers who can understand and map population preferences effectively. Digital health adoption accelerated dramatically post-COVID-19, but significant disparities exist across demographic groups. Research into these preference patterns is becoming critical for healthcare systems seeking to implement equitable digital transformation strategies. Health equity has emerged as a central priority in public health policy globally, with governments and institutions investing heavily in research that identifies and addresses disparities in healthcare access and engagement across different population segments.

Role Significance

Typically part of 8-12 member multidisciplinary research team including epidemiologists, health economists, community health specialists, and data analysts, with direct collaboration with 3-4 core POPUP project researchers
Entry to mid-level research position with significant autonomy in study design and implementation, reporting to senior faculty but with substantial independent responsibility for research workpackage delivery and community engagement activities

Key Projects

Population-wide preference mapping studies involving 1000+ participant surveys across diverse Singaporean communities Mixed-methods research projects combining quantitative preference analysis with qualitative community engagement studies Digital health equity assessment projects examining technology adoption patterns across socioeconomic groups Policy recommendation development based on population preference research findings for Ministry of Health consideration

Success Factors

Strong cultural competency and ability to engage effectively with Singapore's diverse multicultural population including different ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups to ensure representative and meaningful data collection Advanced analytical thinking skills to identify patterns and disparities in population preferences while maintaining sensitivity to cultural nuances and avoiding bias in interpretation of community responses Excellent communication abilities to translate complex research findings into accessible insights for both academic audiences and policy makers, bridging the gap between research and practical health policy implementation Adaptability to work across different research methodologies and data collection approaches while maintaining rigorous scientific standards and ethical considerations in community-based research

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased focus on population health research, digital health equity studies, and government investment in evidence-based health policy development across Asia-Pacific region

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Mixed-methods research expertise is essential as this role requires seamless integration of quantitative survey data with qualitative community insights, representing the core methodology for understanding complex population preferences and ensuring comprehensive data collection across diverse communities Cultural competency and community engagement skills are fundamental for working effectively with Singapore's multicultural population, requiring ability to navigate different cultural contexts, language preferences, and community dynamics to ensure representative and meaningful research participation Statistical analysis capabilities using R or Stata are crucial for processing large-scale survey data and identifying meaningful patterns in population preferences across demographic and socioeconomic variables, forming the analytical foundation for policy recommendations

Beneficial Skills

Experience with advanced qualitative analysis software like Atlas.ti would significantly enhance ability to systematically analyze interview data and identify nuanced themes in population health preferences across different community groups Background in health economics or health policy would provide valuable context for understanding how population preferences translate into healthcare system design and resource allocation decisions Digital health literacy and understanding of technology adoption patterns would strengthen ability to assess preferences for digital versus traditional healthcare delivery modalities and identify barriers to equitable technology access

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to contribute to the innovative POPUP project which represents cutting-edge approach to personalized population health interventions, positioning the role at the forefront of precision public health methodology development
Direct involvement in shaping Singapore's national health policy through research that will inform government decision-making on healthcare delivery modalities and digital health implementation strategies
Access to Singapore's unique multicultural population providing unparalleled research opportunities to study health preferences across diverse ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups within a single healthcare system
Integration of digital health research with traditional community engagement methods, offering comprehensive experience in both technology-focused and community-based research approaches

Career Growth

Progression to senior research roles typically occurs within 2-4 years with strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in population health research methodologies

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Associate positions leading larger research workpackages within 2-3 years Research Scientist roles in government health agencies or international health organizations PhD candidacy in public health, health policy, or related fields with potential for academic career progression Health policy analyst positions in Ministry of Health or healthcare consulting firms

Company Overview

NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

The NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health is one of Asia's leading public health institutions, established as part of the National University of Singapore's commitment to addressing regional and global health challenges. The school has built a strong reputation for innovative research in population health, health policy, and epidemiology, with particular expertise in Asian health systems and multicultural health equity issues.

Ranked among the top public health schools globally and recognized as the premier public health research institution in Southeast Asia, with strong government partnerships and significant influence on regional health policy development and implementation
Serves as a regional hub for public health research and education across ASEAN countries, with extensive collaborations with WHO, regional health ministries, and leading international health organizations, positioning staff for regional and global career opportunities
Academic research environment emphasizing rigorous scientific methodology, collaborative interdisciplinary approach, and strong commitment to translating research into practical health policy solutions, with emphasis on work-life balance typical of Singaporean academic institutions
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