Job Description

The Healthy Spaces Research Group in the Department of Architecture at the National University of Singapore is looking for a full-time researcher to work on the project “Urban Planning Solutions for Environmental Illness: Accessible & Healthy Spaces.”

This research project sits at the intersection of urban planning and design, healthy housing and environments, and public health. Its primary goal is to better understand the relationship between environmental illness (EI) and the built environment. People with EI can experience severe and often disabling health problems when exposed to even small amounts of everyday chemicals, such as fragrances and pesticides. These reactions can include migraines, asthma attacks, dizziness, seizures, musculoskeletal pain, and anaphylaxis. Recognized or accommodated as a disability in countries including Canada, Denmark, Japan, and the United States, EI creates various urban accessibility barriers, especially with regard to healthy housing and everyday urban spaces. 

The successful candidate will contribute to research activities related to this project. They will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) to fulfil research and administrative tasks. The scope of this research is international and comparative, extending across multiple countries while remaining highly relevant to the Singapore context. The position offers opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, develop qualitative and mixed-methods research skills, and participate in an emerging interdisciplinary area linking urban planning, public health, disability, and environmental design. In examining the accessibility needs of people with an underexplored and poorly understood disability, this research aims to make a meaningful impact through the study of chronic illness, environmental accessibility, and the built environment.

Key Responsibilities

•    Draft and co-author publications both independently and in collaboration with the research team for submission to peer-reviewed journals 
•    Participate in the design and implementation of qualitative and mixed-methods research projects
•    Conduct literature reviews on appropriate topics related to the project
•    Collaborate with other researchers in a cross-disciplinary team
•    Help communicate research findings in working groups, conferences, and other settings
•    Analyse data using qualitative data analysis tools
•    Assist with research administration and project coordination, including interview scheduling, compiling research reports, and contributing to grant reporting and documentation
•    Ability to engage respectfully and sensitively with participants discussing disability, chronic illness, housing insecurity, and everyday environmental barriers
•    Support other research activities and related tasks as assigned by the Principal Investigator

Application Procedure 
Applicants should upload the following materials to the NUS career portal: 

•    An up-to-date CV or resume
•    A cover letter of no more than 2 pages explaining the candidate’s interest in this specific position, how their background relates to the job requirements, and their wider interests and career ambitions
•    A writing sample (The writing sample does not need to be closely related to the position, but it should be entirely the candidate’s own work)
•    Contact details for three references 

Reference letters will be requested only from shortlisted candidates. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Questions may be directed to the project PI, Assistant Prof. Justin D. Stern at justin.stern@nus.edu.sg           

Qualifications

•    Master’s degree with at least 2 years’ research experience in urban studies, urban planning, architecture, geography, environmental studies, public health, or a related discipline
•    Excellent English writing and oral communication skills, evidenced by publications, working papers, a capstone/dissertation, or other outputs
•    Research experience using qualitative and mixed methods
•    Experience with spatial analysis and/or design representation skills is preferred but not required 
•    Ability to work independently
•    Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
•    A highly motivated individual with a strong interest in advancing urban scholarship in the areas of healthy housing and environments, urban accessibility and inclusivity, and design