Home Jobs Research Assistant / Associate (PANDA)
Back to Jobs

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

Singapore, Singapore
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 3, 2025
On-site
SGD 36,000 - 48,000 per year for Research Assistant level, SGD 45,000 - 60,000 per year for Research Associate level, based on Singapore academic sector standards and the specialized nature of public health research roles

Benefits

Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary public health research, providing valuable career development in a rapidly growing field
Access to collaborative research environment at the intersection of public health, behavioural science, and digital technologies, offering exposure to cutting-edge methodologies
Professional development through preparation of research presentations, grant applications, and manuscripts, building essential academic and research skills
Networking opportunities within the Physical Activity and Nutrition Determinants in Asia (PANDA) research programme with faculty from diverse disciplines

Key Responsibilities

Lead coordination and implementation of interdisciplinary research projects focusing on public health interventions, directly contributing to disease prevention strategies in Asian populations
Drive participant recruitment and onboarding processes that form the foundation of successful research outcomes and data quality assurance
Manage critical study documentation including IRB submissions and protocol updates that ensure regulatory compliance and research integrity
Oversee deployment and troubleshooting of mobile health applications, supporting the digital transformation of public health research methodologies
Execute comprehensive project logistics management including recruitment tracking and participant communications, ensuring project timeline adherence and stakeholder satisfaction
Maintain detailed project delegation logs and documentation systems that support research reproducibility and institutional knowledge management
Contribute to high-impact research publications and grant applications that advance the field of public health and secure future funding opportunities
Provide strategic administrative support for PANDA programme activities including website management and internal communications that enhance programme visibility and collaboration

Requirements

Education

A Bachelor's or Masters degree in Public Health, Psychology, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, or related field

Experience

Prior experience in research coordination, preferably in health-related or academic settings is highly desirable

Required Skills

Comfortable using digital tools and platforms, including Microsoft Office and survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, REDCap) Basic understanding of quantitative or qualitative research methods is preferred Good interpersonal and communication skills; able to work independently and in a team Organised, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks and timelines A proactive, solution-oriented mindset, particularly towards solving problems and managing dynamic tasks
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Digital health technologies are experiencing unprecedented growth in Asia-Pacific, with mobile health applications becoming central to public health research and intervention delivery, creating strong demand for professionals who can bridge technology and health sciences Public health research is increasingly focusing on non-communicable disease prevention in Asian populations due to rising obesity rates and lifestyle-related health issues, positioning nutrition and physical activity research as critical areas for career development Interdisciplinary research approaches combining behavioural science, digital technologies, and public health are becoming the gold standard for effective health interventions, requiring professionals with diverse skill sets and collaborative capabilities

Role Significance

Typically works within a research team of 8-12 members including principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, and other research staff, with direct reporting to senior researchers and project leads
Early-career research position with significant growth potential, offering direct involvement in high-impact public health research while building foundational skills in project management, data collection, and academic research processes

Key Projects

Multi-site longitudinal studies tracking physical activity and nutrition behaviors across diverse Asian populations Mobile health intervention development and testing projects using behavioral science principles Cross-cultural validation studies of health assessment tools and measurement instruments Community-based participatory research projects addressing local health challenges and policy development

Success Factors

Strong project management abilities combined with attention to detail are essential for coordinating complex multi-phase research studies with multiple stakeholders and strict timelines Adaptability and problem-solving skills are crucial given the dynamic nature of research environments where protocols may need adjustment based on emerging findings or logistical challenges Cultural sensitivity and communication skills are vital when working with diverse Asian populations and international research collaborators Technical proficiency in digital platforms and data management systems is increasingly important as research becomes more technology-dependent

Market Demand

High demand driven by Singapore's position as a regional health research hub, increased government investment in public health research, and the growing focus on Asian population health studies

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Project coordination and management skills are absolutely essential as research projects involve multiple phases, stakeholders, and strict regulatory requirements that must be carefully managed to ensure successful outcomes and continued funding Digital platform proficiency, particularly with survey tools like Qualtrics and REDCap, is critical as modern research relies heavily on digital data collection and management systems for efficiency and data quality Communication and interpersonal skills are vital for participant recruitment and retention, collaboration with diverse research team members, and effective stakeholder engagement throughout the research process

Beneficial Skills

Statistical analysis skills using software like R, SPSS, or SAS would significantly enhance career prospects and research contribution capabilities, as data analysis expertise is increasingly valued in research environments Mobile app development or user experience design knowledge could provide unique value given the programme's focus on digital health interventions and mobile technology deployment Multilingual capabilities, particularly in Asian languages, would be highly valuable for participant engagement and cross-cultural research activities in the diverse Asian research context

Unique Aspects

Integration with the PANDA programme provides exposure to cutting-edge research on Asian population health, addressing critical knowledge gaps in nutrition and physical activity behaviors specific to regional populations
Opportunity to work with mobile health technologies and digital intervention platforms, positioning the role at the forefront of digital health innovation in academic research
Direct involvement in research that influences public health policy and practice across Southeast Asia, providing meaningful impact beyond traditional academic outputs
Access to NUS's extensive research infrastructure and international collaboration networks, offering unique professional development and networking opportunities

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior research roles occurs within 2-4 years with strong performance, while transition to independent research positions or advanced degrees typically occurs within 3-6 years

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Coordinator or Research Manager positions within 2-3 years, leading larger research projects and supervising junior staff Specialized roles in digital health research, health technology assessment, or public health program evaluation within 3-5 years PhD pursuit leading to academic research positions or senior policy roles in government health agencies within 5-7 years

Company Overview

NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

The National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health is a leading academic institution in Southeast Asia, established as one of the region's premier public health education and research centers with strong international collaborations and government support

Positioned as the top-ranked public health school in Asia and among the top 15 globally, with significant research funding and influence on regional health policy development
Serves as a central hub for public health research across Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, with extensive partnerships with government agencies, healthcare systems, and international organizations
Academic environment emphasizing collaborative research, professional development, and work-life balance, typical of leading university institutions with strong emphasis on mentorship and career advancement opportunities
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.