Research Assistant (Science of Learning in Education Centre) [NIE]

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Assistant on a 12-month contract at the .

Project Title: Investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of cognitive load - A neuroimaging and brain stimulation approach.

Project Introduction:

We are seeking an energetic research assistant with background in neuroscience, psychology, and/or exercise science join our team exploring the neurobiological mechanisms of cognitive load using a combination of neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques.

Singapore is facing a rapidly aging population that is compounded by a low national birth rate and longer life expectancy of our residents. It is expected that by 2050, approximately 25% of the Singaporean population will be over the age of 65 years, which poses significant challenges in healthcare and socioeconomic domains (National Population and Talent Division., 2023). Older adults often experience cognitive aging and decline, including reduced memory, processing speed, and attention, which can negatively impact their quality of life and independence (Lustig et al., 2009). These deficits in executive functioning are a result of structural and functional brain changes that results in the brain becoming less efficient in supporting attentional demands to day-to-day activities (Cox & Deary, 2022). A key theory in cognitive aging is that older adults experience greater cognitive load (Cognitive Load Theory, CLT) during task performance compared to younger adults that is due to inefficient neural processing (Prince et al., 2024; Sweller, 1988). Cognitive load theory posits that the brain has finite working memory capacity to attend to cognitive tasks, and an overload of information will result in a deficit in learning or allocation of attentional resources to deal with cognitive task (Sweller & Chandler, 2009). Thus, as the brain ages and becomes more inefficient in processing and allocating attentional resources to deal with complex tasks, the likelihood of successful task performance, particularly in situations with time pressures, is negative affected. This project will address the following research questions:

1. What is the relationship between cognitive load, neural activity, and vascular response in young versus older adults during simple and complex cognitive task performance?

2. Can non-invasive brain stimulation modulate the neural and vascular responses to cognitive load, and improve cognitive performance in older adults?

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, sport science, or related fields, with;
• Relevant research experience.
• Strong verbal communication and writing skills.
• Expertise in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Basic knowledge of statistics and SPSS.
• Able to work independently and in teams with minimal supervision.
• Able to work well with children and adolescents.
• Proactive, energetic, and keen to learn.
• Reliable and able to manage concurrent tasks in a timely manner.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct literature review.
• Assist in participant and stakeholder management within school contexts.
• Assist in the administration and management of project and intervention.
• Assist with behavioural and neurophysiological data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Assist in writing of reports and journal articles.
• Maintain and document research records.
• Facilitate coordination and training of student assistants.
• Other tasks 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.