Job Description

Introduction
The Social Design Lab at the Department of Architecture (DOA) in the College of Design and Engineering (CDE), NUS, is an initiative that champions socially responsible and civic conscious graduates in DOA and CDE through interdisciplinary research and socially focused design pedagogy in partnership with government agencies, non-profit organisations and their related communities. The Lab will spearhead projects focused on prototyping multi-scalar solutions that are ethical, inclusive, sustainable and empowering. Over time, the Lab aims to establish DOA as a leader in design-led socio- spatial innovation on national, regional and global platforms.
 

Objectives

1. To create innovative, critical, and multi-scalar design solutions for societal challenges in Singapore and beyond.
2. To foster interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and students from different disciplines, external experts, and stakeholders.
3. To empower communities through inclusive design processes.
4. To bring exemplary practices and internationally renowned academics and practitioners in social design to DOA and CDE.
5. To facilitate partnerships that enhance sustainable urban and social development.
6. To influence policies on the built environment that have socio-spatial implications.

Job Purpose
The Research Assistant (RA) will support the Co-Directors of the Social Design Lab in conducting interdisciplinary research, stakeholder and student engagement and managing collaborative design projects with external partners.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews, precedent studies, and policy research related to social practice and design.
• Support data collection and analysis through interviews, surveys, fieldwork, and visual documentation.
• Assist in preparing research reports, grant proposals, academic papers, and presentation materials.
• Coordinate and document workshops, exhibitions, and community engagement sessions.
• Assist in curriculum and pedagogical research
• Develop drawings, diagrams, maps, and prototypes using relevant design software (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, ArcGIS).
• Liaise with project partners including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
• Contribute to the Lab’s communication materials (newsletters, social media, website content).
• Perform any other related duties as required to support the lab’s ongoing projects.
   

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Urban Studies, Design, or a related field.
• Demonstrate interest in social impact, community engagement, or interdisciplinary design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in design and visualisation software is preferred.
• Proficiency in visual communication is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Prior experience in academic or community-based research is an advantage.

Job details
One year, in the first instance, with option to renew, if applicable. 

Interested applicants should submit:

1. 3 reference letters
2. 2 recent writing samples
3. Single-page research statement highlighting intersection of your research with the ambitions of the Social Design Lab, and potential contribution in the said RA capacity 
4. A portfolio (optional, if this is applicable). 

Please note that job requisition (28928) “Research Assistant (Social Design Lab) 1” is equivalent to job requisition (28936) “Research Assistant (Social Design Lab) 2 and job requisition (29094) "Research Assistant (Social Design Lab) 3” Please only apply for ONE of these positions.
 

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 4 June 2025, 12PM. 
Anticipated start date: Upon clearing all requisite checks and medical examination. The process is anticipated to take around 4-6 weeks from receipt of candidate's hiring documents.
Contact person: A/P Thomas Kong; tkong@nus.edu.sg

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: College of Design and Engineering

Department : Architecture

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 28928