Research Assistant/Associate (Community Innovation and Applied Social Research)

The Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) invites applications for full-time Research Assistant/Associate appointments to support applied research and innovation projects on people, communities, and cities.

The position is suited for candidates with strong interests in mixed-methods social science research, social policy innovation, community development, and translating research into real-world impact. The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of behavioural science, urban planning, public health, sustainability, and community activation.

About the role

The successful candidate will contribute to projects in LKYCIC focusing on understanding how social and built environments shape individual and community outcomes, and how research can be translated into practical interventions, programmes, policies, and design solutions.

Current and upcoming projects include:

• Social capital and community resilience in neighbourhoods and community hubs
• Climate adaptation, urban heat resilience, and sustainable living
• Community activation and citizen engagement initiatives
• Population health and healthy neighbourhoods
• Design and evaluation of community-based interventions
• Development of practical tools, frameworks, and guidelines for policymakers and practitioners

Projects typically involve a combination of surveys, interviews, focus groups, behavioural observations, workshops, participatory design activities, and field-based research conducted in partnership with government agencies, community organisations, industry partners, and residents. Depending on the project, researchers may also have opportunities to work with digital platforms, spatial data, and emerging AI-enabled tools that support research, community engagement, programme design, and policy innovation.

Key responsibilities

The candidate will be expected to:

• Support the design and implementation of mixed-methods research studies
• Conduct literature reviews and evidence synthesis
• Design and administer surveys, interviews, focus groups, and workshops
• Conduct field observations and community-based data collection
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate methods and software
• Assist in stakeholder engagement, participatory design, and community activation activities
• Support project management, coordination, and reporting
• Prepare research reports, policy briefs, presentations, and academic manuscripts
• Contribute to the translation of research findings into practical recommendations, interventions, and tools
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary researchers and external partners

The Centre may, at its discretion, assign additional responsibilities from time to time, such as teaching or other duties aligned with the Centre’s needs.

Skills and qualifications required

Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree (MA, MSc, March, MPP or equivalent) in sociology, public policy, geography, urban studies, architecture, public health, psychology, community development, social work, behavioural science, environmental studies, or related disciplines

Demonstrated interest in applied social science research, real-world impact, and the translation of research into practical interventions, programmes, policies, or design solutions

Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including survey design, interviews, focus groups, observations, workshops, or field-based research

Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise good judgement and initiative in complex real-world settings

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research insights clearly to academic, policy, practitioner, and community audiences

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within interdisciplinary and partner-facing teams

Interest in community engagement, social innovation, urban issues, sustainability, public health, and/or policy development

Adaptability and willingness to learn new methods, tools, and approaches, including digital platforms, spatial data, or AI-enabled research tools where relevant

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience conducting fieldwork and community-based research
• Experience in programme evaluation, policy analysis, or participatory research

How to apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to send their application with the subject heading “Research Assistant/Associate (Community Innovation and Applied Social Research)” to lkycic@sutd.edu.sg with the following:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and addressing the qualifications and skills requirements (maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Two writing sample (e.g., thesis, report, publication, policy brief, or research paper)
• Names and contact details of three referees who may be contacted for a reference

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled.