About the Role

The Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials (I-FIM) seeks a motivated and structured Research Assistant to support a supervised, 12-month business research project focused on China market-entry validation for high-end and innovative building materials. This role sits at the interface of materials research, strategic market intelligence, and institutional outreach, and is ideal for a candidate with strong research, communication, and analytical capabilities combined with familiarity with the China and Singapore professional ecosystems. The Research Assistant will work under close senior supervision of Prof. Castro Neto.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1 – Guided Groundwork (Months 1–2)

• Draft the China Opportunity Brief, covering target regions, priority customer segments, competitor landscape, and regulatory/certification framework
• Prepare Chinese-language sales decks, one-pagers, and FAQs for senior technical and China-market review
• Map initial competitors, customer groups, institutional channels, and required compliance documents
• Identify one priority region and 1–2 pilot archetypes for further validation

Phase 2 – Institutional Market Validation (Months 3–5)

• Leverage NUS-linked networks, Singapore–China platforms, alumni channels, and industry associations to facilitate qualified introductions
• Conduct 10–20 structured conversations with relevant stakeholders including designers, architects, contractors, developers, distributors, and China-experienced advisors
• Collect and synthesize market feedback on product fit, pricing sensitivity, certification concerns, installation requirements, and pilot potential
• Prepare monthly status reports and meeting notes for senior review

Phase 3 – Pilot Scoping & Entry Options (Months 6–9)

• Recommend one priority region based on validated market feedback, institutional access, and segment fit
• Define 1–2 pilot archetypes (e.g., public/institutional concrete asset repair, urban renewal, contractor material library validation)
• Build a partner shortlist covering design channels, installation support, distribution, and certification/technical support
• Develop pilot scope options, pricing assumptions, and entry-mode options for senior decision

Phase 4 – Entry Recommendation & Implementation Planning (Months 10–12)

• Compile a final entry recommendation with risk review and decision gate assessment for next-stage investment
• Support early-stage partner outreach and pilot coordination under senior direction
• Present key gaps in certification, partner readiness, and commercial viability to senior leadership
• Contribute to documentation of lessons learned and preparation of materials for follow-on investment decisions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Business, or a related discipline
• Native or near-native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese; strong written and spoken English
• Demonstrated experience in market research, competitive intelligence, or strategic analysis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data organization tools
• Strong documentation and reporting skills, including ability to draft structured briefs, one-pagers, and stakeholder presentations

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with China's building materials sector, green building policies, or construction industry ecosystems
• Experience with ESG analytics, sustainability benchmarking, or low-carbon urban development research
• Prior exposure to NUS-linked, Singapore–China, or alumni professional networks
• Working knowledge of CFA, PMP, or sustainable finance frameworks
• Experience with spatial analysis tools (GIS/QGIS, AutoCAD) or design software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) as a complement to analytical tasks
• Prior internship or work experience in financial services, real estate, or professional services environment

Attributes

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage structured deliverables under phased timelines
• Comfortable working under close senior guidance with a learner's mindset
• Proactive in network activation and stakeholder outreach through institutional and professional channels
• Exercise sound professional judgment

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a brief cover letter to I-FIM's administrative office. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.