Research Assistant (Architecture)

Job Description

We are seeking suitable candidates to apply for one Research Assistant position at the Department of Architecture, College of Design and Engineering (CDE), National University of Singapore (NUS).

The Project

The successful applicant will be part of a research project titled “Teaching Space: Building Morphology and Pedagogy in Asian Architecture Schools,” funded through the Ministry of Education (MOE). 

This project investigates the form of architecture schools as a building type, and how this form has influenced the specific pedagogy of these institutions, with a focus on Asia. To identify the specificities of Asian architecture schools in terms of form and pedagogy, this study will involve a systematic comparison of plans, sections, 3D views, programs and quantitative data of a large array of architecture schools.

The research method of this study consists of two parts:
•    Diachronic analysis: Researching the historical evolution of architecture schools in Asia and relating pedagogical programs to building form. This will involve archival research and dialogue with relevant institutions to secure information that is not available in the public domain.
•    Synchronic analysis: Researching the present condition of a number of architecture schools in terms of teaching space and building morphology. This will require gathering large quantities of data, including orthographic drawings (plans and sections), of existing architecture schools, in order to format and analyse them. 

Duties & Responsibilities

A full-time Research Assistant is required to undertake research and administrative roles during a 6 months-long appointment. The researcher will work closely with the Principal Investigator from the Department of Architecture, NUS. The main job responsibilities include:
•    Elaboration of a precise list of buildings accommodating architecture schools in Asia and beyond in accordance with strict selection criteria;
•    Establishing contact with architecture schools to obtain graphic data (plans, sections, elevations); 
•    Data collection of plans, sections and elevations of a selected number of buildings accommodating architecture schools;
•    3D modelling of a selected number of architecture schools;
•    Literature review;
•    Quantitative analysis and graphic ordering of such buildings in relation to their teaching spaces (area, height, occupancy, form, location, and adaptability of these spaces over time);
•    Documentation of research (writing research reports, progress updates, preparing presentations and writing joint publications);
•    Coordination and communication, administrative work, backing up of research data and documents;

The expected duration of the appointment is for 6 months. The earliest starting date is 1 June 2024.

National University of Singapore is a comprehensive university, that is ranked 1st in Asia, and 8th globally (according to QS World University Rankings of 2024). The Department of Architecture has also been consistently ranked top 10 in the same ranking (5th in 2024).

Contact information :
Hiring Manager: François Blanciak
Email: f.blanciak@nus.edu.sg

Qualifications

•    Bachelor or Master’s degree in Architecture;
•    Good knowledge of English is essential;
•    Good drafting skills (AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator)
•    Good 3D modelling skills (Rhino)
•    Good writing and communication skills;
•    Good skills in working independently; good time management, systematic approach, and attention to detail;
•    Experience in writing academic papers is a plus. 

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: College of Design and Engineering

Department : Architecture

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 24762