PhD Researcher for Future Health Technologies

ETH Zürich

PhD Researcher

100%, Singapore, fixed-term

The Singapore-ETH Centre was established in 2010 by ETH Zurich - The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF), as part of the NRF’s CREATE campus. As ETH Zurich's only research centre outside of Switzerland, the centre has strengthened the research capacity of ETH Zurich to develop sustainable solutions to global challenges in Switzerland, Singapore and the surrounding regions.

Set in Asia, in a rapidly urbanising region, the Singapore-ETH Centre aims to provide practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges on urban sustainability, resilience and health through its programmes: Future Cities Lab Global (FCL Global) and Future Health Technologies (FHT).

The centre serves as an intellectual hub for research, bringing together principal investigators and researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. To promote the exchange of ideas and expertise, our researchers actively collaborate with universities and research institutes and engage with industry and government agencies to translate knowledge to practical solutions to real-world problems.

Project background

FHT2 is an NRF-CREATE programme co-funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), ETH Zurich, and NHG-NTU, and represents the second phase of the FHT initiative launched in 2020. The programme brings together psychologists, neuroscientists, computer scientists, engineers and clinicians to develop next-generation digital health solutions. 

The PhD candidate will join the Monitoring and Supporting Cognitive Health in the Community project. This project focuses on the development and deployment of an AI-powered mobile platform designed to assess, monitor, and support cognitive health during real-world navigation. The platform integrates cognitive and navigation assessments, smartphone sensor data, and AI-driven conversational agents to detect early signs of cognitive impairment, deliver personalised support, and promote ageing in place. The project is closely aligned with Healthier SG and the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, with clear pathways for translation through partnerships with organisations in Singapore.

Job description

The successful PhD candidate will contribute to the scientific development, implementation, and evaluation of a mobile app. Working within a highly multidisciplinary team of psychologists, neuroscientists, computer scientists, clinicians, and data scientists across the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the PhD student will actively engage in collaborative research activities and contribute to the development of the mobile platform. 

Key responsibilities include contributing to empirical studies in community and clinical settings, supporting data collection and analysis across multiple modalities (behavioural, cognitive, sensor-based, and conversational), and assisting in the iterative development and validation of the AI-powered mobile platform. The PhD student will participate in preparing ethics applications, study protocols, and research documentation, and will work closely with senior researchers, clinicians, and community partners in Singapore. 

The PhD candidate will also engage in scientific writing, including contributing to manuscript preparation and conference presentations, and will have opportunities to present research findings at national and international venues. The role involves working with cutting-edge technologies including Large Language Models (LLMs), Large Geospatial Models (LGMs), and multimodal sensor data to develop innovative solutions for cognitive health assessment and support. Given the translational nature of the project, the position offers excellent opportunities for professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributing to meaningful health innovations that support successful ageing in Singapore.

Profile

• Applicants must hold a Master's degree (or be near completion) in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong technical expertise in machine learning and deep learning is essential, with demonstrated experience through coursework, research projects, or publications.
• Proficiency in working with Large Language Models (LLMs) and practical experience in processing multimodal data, including sensor data, audio, and video, is required.
• Candidates must demonstrate solid programming skills and the ability to implement and evaluate AI systems using real-world data.
• Experience or strong interest in navigation research, spatial cognition, or related cognitive domains is desirable, as is familiarity with mobile application development for Android and iOS platforms.
• Knowledge of Large Geospatial Models (LGMs) or geospatial data processing would be considered an advantage.
• Prior exposure to interdisciplinary research environments, particularly those involving psychology, neuroscience, or clinical applications, is valued.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent written and spoken English, and the capacity to work collaboratively within an international, multidisciplinary team.
• A willingness to engage with researchers from diverse backgrounds, including psychologists, clinicians, and data scientists, and to contribute to empirical studies involving community and clinical populations is essential.
• The candidate should show motivation for translational research with real-world health impact and a commitment to rigorous, ethical research practices.

Workplace

1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602 (NUS University Town).

We offer

• Accredited with 5 Tripartite Standards by Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) Singapore.
• A diverse workplace with 32 nationalities, offering ample opportunities for mutual learning.
• Positive and inclusive working environment.
• 25 days of annual leave for fixed-term contracts.
• 1 day of Birthday Leave.
• Annual dental benefits.
• Committed to being a supportive employer as you prioritize your physical and mental wellness.
• Comprehensive healthcare insurance coverage.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement (up to 2 days per week from home).
• Abundant networking opportunities across various disciplines.
• Accredited with NS mark certification.

The Singapore-ETH Centre is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer. All candidates will be evaluated on their merits and qualifications, without regards to gender, race, age or religion.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents: 

• A cover letter with a specific statement of your motivation for the project
• Your CV including the name and contact information of 3 references
• A copy of your university transcripts as PDFs.

Work location: 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602 (NUS University Town). Duration: Full-Time position (Contract) 

Further information about The Singapore-ETH Centre can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Rafael Wampfler (ETH Zurich) rafael.wampfler@inf.ethz.ch.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.