Project background

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

The postdoctoral researcher 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 personalised 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 organisations in Singapore.

Job description

The successful postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in the scientific leadership, coordination, and execution of the project. 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 postdoc will be expected to actively lead and coordinate interactions between institutions, research streams, and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include leading and supporting empirical studies in community and clinical settings, coordinating data collection and analysis across multiple modalities (behavioural, cognitive, sensor-based, and clinical), and contributing to the iterative development and validation of the mobile platform. The postdoc will play a major role in preparing ethics applications, research collaboration agreements, study protocols, and regulatory documentation, as well as liaising with clinicians, community partners, and government-linked organisations in Singapore.

In addition to research leadership, the postdoctoral fellow will contribute to team supervision and mentoring of PhD students, Master’s students, and research assistants. The role also involves active participation in manuscript preparation, conference presentations and grant reporting. Given the translational ambition of the project, the position requires a high degree of professional maturity, excellent communication skills, and the ability to represent the project confidently in discussions with academic, clinical, and policy stakeholders, laying the groundwork for the future deployment of the platform within Singapore’s health and ageing ecosystem.

Selection Criteria

• Applicants must hold a PhD in Psychology or a closely related discipline (e.g., Cognitive Neuroscience, Health Sciences, Computer/Data Science, or Health Technologies) and demonstrate strong expertise in empirical research, quantitative methods, and data driven analysis.
• The successful candidate is expected to possess good programming skills and demonstrable interest or experience in human computer interaction.  
• Experience working with mobile technologies, digital health tools, or AI enabled platforms is highly desirable, especially in the context of spatial cognition, navigation, or related cognitive domains.
• Prior exposure to interdisciplinary research environments involving psychology, neuroscience, or clinical applications is valued.
• The successful candidate will also possess strong organisational and problem solving skills, scientific independence, and the capacity to coordinate activities across multiple teams and institutions.
• The position carries significant responsibility for day to day project operations, requiring professional maturity, initiative, and sound judgement.
• Excellent written and spoken English and the ability to engage constructively with researchers, clinicians, and external stakeholders are essential.
• Capacity of speak multiple languages in the context of Singapore will also be considered highly desirable. The candidate should be comfortable working in an international, multidisciplinary environment and will contribute actively to the supervision and mentoring of junior researchers.

Why SEC is your employer of choice?

• 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.
• Positive and inclusive working environment.
• 25 days of annual leave for fixed-term contracts.
• 1 day of Birthday Leave.
• Annual dental benefits.
• Committed to being a supportive employer as you prioritize your 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.

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

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A cover letter with a specific statement of your motivation for the project.
• Your CV including the name and contact information of at least 3 references.
• A copy of your university transcripts as PDFs.

Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

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

Further information about The Singapore-ETH Centre can be found on our website: https://sec.ethz.ch/

For further information, please contact: Professor Dr. Victor Roger Schinazi (Bond University) at [email protected]