"Research Fellow (Multi-modal AI, SLM)"

Posting Start Date: 24/02/2026

Job Description

Augmented Human Lab, at the Smart Systems Institute, National University of Singapore is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in Machine Learning, AI, and multi-modal interaction for developing context-aware small language models for a human-robot interaction system.

The Research Fellow will be responsible for working closely with the Principal Investigator (A/Prof Suranga Nanayakkara) and Co-PI (Dr. Chitralekha Gupta). He/She will work on designing multimodal small language models (SLMs) for real-time, privacy-preserving, and trustworthy on-device intelligence. This will enable a human operator to make faster and more accurate decisions in high risk scenarios such as chemical spills, and search-and-rescue.

Major responsibilities include:

1. Conduct original, impactful research leading the NRF funded translational research, including model design, development, and deployment
2. Closely collaborate with an industry partner to gather requirements, data collection, and later deployment
3. Provide guidance to PhD students, Research Engineers in the group.
4. Dissemination of the research outcomes via Journal/Conference papers and contribute to research grant proposals
5. Participate in project meetings as well as industrial/academic events.

Qualifications

Experience and skills include:

• PhD in Computer Science (or equivalent)
• Experience in ML/AI techniques, especially edge computing and deployment on edge devices
• Good track record of research with a good publication record
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills

Why join us

NUS is a world-class university that provides an outstanding and supportive research environment. Its School of Computing is highly ranked within the top 10 in the world. The Augmented Human Lab is an excellent environment with a diverse team (www.ahlab.org/people) which will accelerate your research career.

The initial term of appointment will be 1-year and renewable based on performance. The selected candidate will be offered competitive salaries and benefits.

How to Apply:

Email CV, a short statement of interest, and your top three most relevant publications to A/Prof Suranga Nanayakkara suranga@comp.nus.edu.sg

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Smart Systems Institute

Department: SSI HQ

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID: 31858