Research Assistant – Watershed Biogeochemistry

About the role

The Asian School of the Environment at Nanyang Technological University is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support watershed‑scale biogeochemistry monitoring across Singapore’s urban‑to‑nature stream networks. The role involves field, laboratory and data work aimed at understanding water, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes and greenhouse‑gas emissions.

Key responsibilities

• Design, install and operate long‑term and mobile aquatic monitoring stations in forest, urban park and built‑up catchments.
• Conduct field campaigns to quantify water, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes along an urban‑to‑nature gradient.
• Operate, maintain and calibrate high‑frequency in‑situ sensors measuring hydrodynamics and biogeochemical parameters.
• Apply mass‑balance models and stable‑isotope techniques to assess lateral inputs, in‑stream processes and greenhouse‑gas emissions.
• Manage, process and analyse large high‑frequency datasets with rigorous quality control and documentation.
• Maintain field and laboratory equipment inventory, organise data storage and support procurement of consumables.
• Contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports and scientific presentations.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Geography, Hydrology, Ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience in fieldwork, data collection and basic data analysis.
• Ability to work outdoors in potentially challenging conditions and adapt to changing schedules.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Required skills

• Operation and calibration of high‑frequency in‑situ aquatic sensors.
• Mass‑balance modelling of watershed biogeochemistry.
• Stable‑isotope analysis for tracing nutrient pathways.
• Processing and quality‑control of high‑frequency environmental datasets.
• Field campaign coordination and equipment management.