Research Fellow / Research Assistant - JL(1147)

Roles & Responsibilities

Research Fellow / Research Assistant
Mixed-Methods Behavioural Insights Study: Second-hand Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Public Residential Estates

The Project
SIT, in collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), is conducting a mixed-methods behavioural insights study of second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure in public residential estates. The study aims to (i) document smokers’ routines, spatial patterns, and behavioural archetypes; (ii) measure population-level attitudes, perceptions, and values regarding SHS exposure from neighbours; (iii) co-develop socially acceptable interventions with residents and community stakeholders; and (iv) pilot and evaluate selected interventions. The team is led by Associate Professor Walter Theseira (Principal Investigator, SUSS), with Co-Principal Investigators Emeritus Professor Ho Kong Chong (NUS) and Associate Professor Jean Liu (SIT).
Methods and Tasks
The study comprises four work packages: (1) qualitative research, including ten exploratory focus group discussions (FGDs) with smokers and non-smokers and 50 ethnographic “walk-with” interviews with smokers in HDB neighbourhoods; (2) large-scale door-to-door surveys — a general population survey (n ≈ 3,000) and a targeted survey of residents affected by SHS (n ≈ 1,000) — fielded by a survey firm under the research team’s direction; (3) co-solutioning engagement sessions and co-design workshops with residents, grassroots leaders, and community stakeholders; and (4) small-scale piloting and evaluation of interventions in selected neighbourhoods. Work packages (2) and (4) are subject to the grantor’s budget and approval.

The Research Fellow/Research Assistant will work closely with the PI and Co-PIs to:
- Coordinate and oversee fieldwork, including participant recruitment, scheduling, conduct of FGDs, walk-with interviews and engagement sessions, and management of transcription
- Support research ethics (IRB) applications and compliance; conduct literature reviews and analyses of existing administrative and complaints data
- Code and analyse qualitative data; support questionnaire design, sampling, and statistical analysis of survey data
- Draft progress documentation, reports, and presentations for stakeholders
- Coordinate across the PIs and liaise with the grantor
Requirements
- Research Fellow: PhD in economics, psychology, sociology, public health or policy, or a related behavioural or social science. Research Assistant: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Training or experience in qualitative research (focus groups, interviews, ethnography) and/or quantitative survey research; mixed-methods experience is an advantage
- Proficiency with qualitative analysis software and/or statistical software.
- Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce polished reports and presentations for policy audiences.
- Well-organised and able to manage fieldwork logistics independently; comfortable conducting fieldwork in residential estates, including some evenings and weekends.
- Prior experience on policy-relevant research, and proficiency in Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil to support fieldwork (is preferred).

Tell employers what skills you have

Qualitative Analysis
Policy Research
Qualitative Research
scientific discipline
assess complaints
Organizing Logistics
Quantitative Surveys
Participatory Design
Corporate Presentations
Reports
Research Consultancy
Engagement Planning
Ethnography
Presentation Development
Qualitative Surveys
IRB