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 significantly enhanced the research capacity of ETH Zurich to tackle sustainable solutions for global challenges in Switzerland, Singapore, and surrounding regions.

Situated in Asia's rapidly urbanising environment, the Singapore-ETH Centre aims to provide practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in 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 collaborate actively with universities, research institutes, 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 unites 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 initiative focuses on the design and deployment of an AI-powered mobile platform aimed at assessing, monitoring, and supporting cognitive health during real-world navigation. The platform integrates cognitive and navigation assessments, smartphone sensor data, and AI-driven conversational agents to identify early signs of cognitive impairment, deliver personalized support, and promote aging in place. The project aligns closely with Healthier SG and the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, providing 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. As part of 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 engage in collaborative research activities and contribute to the evolution of the mobile platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to empirical studies in community and clinical settings.
• Support data collection and analysis across multiple modalities (behavioral, cognitive, sensor-based, and conversational).
• Assist in the iterative development and validation of the AI-powered mobile platform.
• Prepare ethics applications, study protocols, and research documentation.
• Collaborate closely with senior researchers, clinicians, and community partners in Singapore.
• Engage in scientific writing, including manuscript preparation and conference presentations.
• Present research findings at national and international venues.

This role involves working with cutting-edge technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Large Geospatial Models (LGMs), and multimodal sensor data to create innovative solutions for cognitive health assessment and support. Given the translational nature of the project, this position offers outstanding opportunities for professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributions to meaningful health innovations that support successful aging 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 valued.
• 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 real-world health impact and a commitment to rigorous, ethical research practices.

Workplace

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

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.
• Supportive employer prioritizing physical and mental wellness.
• Comprehensive healthcare insurance coverage.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement (up to 2 days per week from home).
• Abundant networking opportunities across various disciplines.
• Accredited with NS mark certification.

Application Process

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

Work location: 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602 (NUS University Town).
Duration: Full-Time position (Contract)

For further information about The Singapore-ETH Centre, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Rafael Wampfler at rafael.wampfler@inf.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zürich

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 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 today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.