PhD Researcher / PhD Researcheress

PhD Researcher

100%, Singapore, fixed-term

The Singapore-ETH Centre was established in 2010 by ETH Zurich - The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF), as part of the NRF’s CREATE campus. As ETH Zurich's only research centre outside of Switzerland, the centre has strengthened the research capacity of ETH Zurich to develop sustainable solutions to global challenges in Switzerland, Singapore, and the surrounding regions.

Set in Asia, in a rapidly urbanising region, the Singapore-ETH Centre aims to provide practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges related to urban sustainability, resilience, and health through its programmes: Future Cities Lab Global (FCL Global) and Future Health Technologies (FHT).

The centre serves as an intellectual hub for research, bringing together principal investigators and researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. To promote the exchange of ideas and expertise, our researchers actively collaborate with universities and research institutes and engage with industry and government agencies to translate knowledge into practical solutions for real-world problems.

Project Background

FHT2 is an NRF-CREATE programme co-funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), ETH Zurich, and NHG-NTU, representing the second phase of the FHT initiative launched in 2020. This programme brings together psychologists, neuroscientists, computer scientists, engineers, and clinicians to develop next-generation digital health solutions.

The PhD candidate will join the Monitoring and Supporting Cognitive Health in the Community project. This project focuses on the development and deployment of an AI-powered mobile platform designed to assess, monitor, and support cognitive health during real-world navigation. The platform integrates cognitive and navigation assessments, smartphone sensor data, and AI-driven conversational agents to detect early signs of cognitive impairment, deliver personalized support, and promote ageing in place. The project is closely aligned with Healthier SG and the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, with clear pathways for translation through partnerships with organizations in Singapore.

Job Description

The successful PhD candidate will contribute to the scientific development, implementation, and evaluation of a mobile app. Working within a highly multidisciplinary team of psychologists, neuroscientists, computer scientists, clinicians, and data scientists across the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the PhD student will actively engage in collaborative research activities and contribute to the development of the mobile platform.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to empirical studies in community and clinical settings.
• Supporting data collection and analysis across multiple modalities (behavioural, cognitive, sensor-based, and conversational).
• Assisting in the iterative development and validation of the AI-powered mobile platform.
• Participating in preparing necessary research documentation and protocols.
• Engaging in scientific writing, including manuscript preparation and conference presentations.
• Working with cutting-edge technologies including Large Language Models (LLMs), Large Geospatial Models (LGMs), and multimodal sensor data to develop innovative solutions for cognitive health assessment and support.

The role offers excellent opportunities for professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributing to meaningful health innovations that support successful ageing in Singapore.

Profile

• Applicants must hold a Master's degree (or be near completion) in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong technical expertise in machine learning and deep learning is essential, with demonstrated experience through coursework, research projects, or publications.
• Proficiency in working with Large Language Models (LLMs) and practical experience in processing multimodal data, including sensor data, audio, and video, is required.
• Candidates must demonstrate solid programming skills and the ability to implement and evaluate AI systems using real-world data.
• Experience or strong interest in navigation research, spatial cognition, or related cognitive domains is desirable, as is familiarity with mobile application development for Android and iOS platforms.
• Knowledge of Large Geospatial Models (LGMs) or geospatial data processing would be considered an advantage.
• Prior exposure to interdisciplinary research environments, particularly those involving psychology, neuroscience, or clinical applications, is valuable.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent written and spoken English, and the capacity to work collaboratively within an international, multidisciplinary team.
• A willingness to engage with researchers from diverse backgrounds, including psychologists, clinicians, and data scientists, and to contribute to empirical studies involving community and clinical populations is essential.
• The candidate should show motivation for translational research with a real-world health impact and a commitment to rigorous, ethical research practices.

Workplace

Located in Singapore, the Singapore-ETH Centre fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes mutual learning and collaboration among its staff, who represent multiple nationalities.

We Offer

• Accredited with 5 Tripartite Standards by Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) Singapore.
• A diverse workplace with 32 nationalities, offering ample opportunities for mutual learning.
• A positive and inclusive working environment.
• 25 days of annual leave for fixed-term contracts.
• 1 day of Birthday Leave.
• Annual dental benefits.
• Comprehensive healthcare insurance coverage.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement (up to 2 days per week from home).
• Abundant networking opportunities across various disciplines.

The Singapore-ETH Centre is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer. All candidates will be evaluated on their merits and qualifications, without regard to gender, race, age, or religion.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing your motivation for the project.
• Your CV, including the names and contact information of 3 references.
• A copy of your university transcripts in PDF format.

Work location: 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602 (NUS University Town).

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about The Singapore-ETH Centre can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Rafael Wampfler (ETH Zurich) at rafael.wampfler@inf.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.