Research Assistant / Project Officer in Animal Movement Ecology

About the role

The Asian School of the Environment at Nanyang Technological University is establishing a new lab focused on movement ecology and conservation. The Research Assistant/Project Officer will support projects tracking shorebirds across Southeast Asia and urban birds in Singapore, handling both field and laboratory activities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide administrative and procurement support for ongoing research projects.
• Manage laboratory and field inventory, oversee equipment maintenance, and ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Assist with permits for fieldwork and specimen import, and coordinate logistics for overseas trips.
• Conduct laboratory work including macrozoobenthic identification, biomass measurement and DNA metabarcoding.
• Support field operations such as bird catching, mist‑netting, ringing and deployment of tracking devices.
• Curate and maintain databases for research data and biological specimens.

Required profile

• Polytechnic Diploma with 3 years relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Animal Behaviour or related field.
• Organised, meticulous and able to manage large specimen and data collections.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; able to work independently and as part of a team.

Required skills

• Basic molecular techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis and sequence data processing.
• Field handling of birds: mist‑netting, ringing and tracker deployment.
• Spatial data handling: GIS software and basic R programming for ecological analyses.
• Database management: relational databases, data quality control and cleaning.
• Experience with procurement processes, risk assessments and standard operating procedures.