Research Assistant

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Assistant on a 24-month contract at the Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC).

Project Title: Active Learning STRategies for adult learners - The ALL STAR project

Project Introduction: Singapore's ageing workforce faces increasing challenges in adapting to rapid technological disruption and the growing demand for lifelong learning. To address these issues, this project explores an innovative approach to adult education through Physically Active Learning (PAL), integrating purposeful, low-intensity movements into classroom teaching to enhance attention, engagement, and cognitive performance.

Grounded in the science of embodied cognition, the study aims to co-develop and evaluate PAL pedagogies tailored for Singapore's adult learners. Adapted from the TransformUS Higher Ed program (Deakin University), the intervention will be implemented in local Institutes of Higher Learning and tested for its impact on learning outcomes, knowledge retention, and neurobiological mechanisms such as working memory and interbrain synchrony.

The project brings together an interdisciplinary team from NIE/NTU, SUSS, and Deakin University, combining expertise in neuroscience, pedagogy, and adult education. Ultimately, it seeks to pioneer a new model of adult learning that enhances adaptability, cognitive health, and collaboration, equipping Singapore's workforce to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
 

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Educational, Cognitive, or Experimental), Education / Learning Sciences, Exercise Science / Kinesiology / Human Movement Science, or Cognitive or Educational Neuroscience
• Familiarity with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, MATLAB, or Excel).
• Experience with survey, cognitive testing, or behavioral data collection.
• Ability to assist in preparing research materials (e.g., questionnaires, consent forms, instructional materials).

Preferred:

• Exposure to neurophysiological data collection (EEG, fNIRS, eye-tracking) or interest in learning such methods.
• Knowledge of educational interventions, classroom observations, or learning analytics.
• Experience with project coordination across multiple institutions.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable interacting with adult learners and educators.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
• Motivated to contribute to research that enhances learning and cognitive wellbeing through movement and pedagogy.

Responsibilities:

1. Research Implementation and Coordination

• Assist in the preparation and execution of the PAL intervention, including logistics, scheduling, and coordination with partner Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).
• Support participant recruitment, informed consent, and data collection procedures in compliance with ethics guidelines.
• Help maintain communication between the research team, instructors, and institutional partners (NIE/NTU, SUSS, and Deakin University).
• Manage inventory of research equipment and materials used for PAL activities and neurocognitive assessments.

2. Data Collection and Management

• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and secure storage in accordance with research protocols.
• Perform preliminary data cleaning, coding, and entry for statistical analysis.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports and data summaries for internal review.

3. Data Analysis and Literature Review

• Support the research fellow in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using software such as SPSS, R, MATLAB, or NVivo.
• Conduct literature reviews and help synthesize relevant findings on embodied cognition, PAL, and adult learning.
• Contribute to the development of research instruments (e.g., surveys, interview guides, classroom observation rubrics).

4. Dissemination and Administrative Support

• Assist in preparing manuscripts, presentations, and project documentation.
• Support organization of team meetings, workshops, and dissemination events.
• Help draft progress reports and collate materials for grant management or audits.

5. Team Collaboration and Professional Development

• Work closely under the supervision of the Research Fellow and PIs.
• Participate in team discussions, sharing insights from fieldwork and data collection.
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator

Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 14 calendar days from date of posting.