Research Associate (Physical Education & Sports Science Department) [NIE]

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Associate on a 20-month contract at the

Project Title: Leave No Child Indoors: Impact of Play Environments on the Physical and Socio-Emotional Development of Preschool Children and Children from Families with Less-abundant Resources in Singapore.

Project Introduction:

A Research Associate position (20-month) is available to support the Principal Investigator (PI) and his team in the research project titled above. The research has two parts. Part 1 of the research umbrella aims to investigate the influence of various types of preschool play spaces on the physical and socio-emotional development of 5- to 6-year-old children from preschool operators. Part 2 of the research aims to examine the impact of an out-of-school, 12-session nature intervention program on the physical and socio-emotional development of 7- to 11-year-old children from families with less-abundant resources. The research adopts a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative methods) and involves the use of assessment tools, filming, accelerometers, gross motor skills test, questionnaires, and interviews. The Research Associate will work closely with the PI, co-PIs and other members of the research team as well as external research collaborators such as preschool administrators, teachers and principals, community partners and nature-based program coaches.

Requirements:

• Have a basic degree with relevant research experience or Master’s degree from a reputable university.

• With at least 3 years of relevant experience in research, if lacking a Master’s degree.

Desired skills and attributes of a Research Associate hired on this research are:

• Having good communication and organisation skills

• Having strong interpersonal and writing skills

• Being proactive and able to work independently and in a team

• Being comfortable working and communicating with preschool children

• Having good analytical skills

• Having project management and problem-solving skills

• Familiarity with statistical software such as SPSS, JASP, R or equivalent.

• Willing to learn new data analytical tools as required.

Responsibilities:

Major duties and responsibilities of the position include:

• Co-ordinate and assist in IRB application, be actively involved in data collection, extracting, coding, archiving and data analysis

• Implement the content validation of research instruments developed

• Conduct literature research and review

• Write progress reports, publications and presentation materials with minimum supervision

• Assist in planning and executing tasks to achieve key deliverables

• Co-ordinate in organising workshops and talks

• Procure equipment or supplies necessary for the project

• Coordinate meetings with the research team, internal and external stakeholders

• Maintain a functional project website- iissaar.com

• Other related duties assigned by the Principle 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.