Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal. Please note your application will only be processed if you apply via NUS Career Portal.

NUS Career Portal link: https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Research-Assistant-%28Innovation-Commercialisation-&-Market-Intelligence%29/33652-en_GB/

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About the Role

The Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials (I-FIM) seeks a motivated and structured Research Assistant to support a supervised business research project focused on China market-entry validation for high-end and innovative building materials. This role sits at the interface of materials research, strategic market intelligence, and institutional outreach, and is ideal for a candidate with strong research, communication, and analytical capabilities combined with familiarity with the China and Singapore professional ecosystems. The Research Assistant will work under close senior supervision of Prof. Castro Neto.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1 - Guided Groundwork (Months 1-2)

Draft the China Opportunity Brief, covering target regions, priority customer segments, competitor landscape, and regulatory/certification framework
Prepare Chinese-language sales decks, one-pagers, and FAQs for senior technical and China-market review
Map initial competitors, customer groups, institutional channels, and required compliance documents
Identify one priority region and 1-2 pilot archetypes for further validation

Phase 2 - Institutional Market Validation (Months 3-5)

Leverage NUS-linked networks, Singapore-China platforms, alumni channels, and industry associations to facilitate qualified introductions
Conduct 10-20 structured conversations with relevant stakeholders including designers, architects, contractors, developers, distributors, and China-experienced advisors
Collect and synthesize market feedback on product fit, pricing sensitivity, certification concerns, installation requirements, and pilot potential
Prepare monthly status reports and meeting notes for senior review

Phase 3 - Pilot Scoping & Entry Options (Months 6-9)

Recommend one priority region based on validated market feedback, institutional access, and segment fit
Define 1-2 pilot archetypes (e.g., public/institutional concrete asset repair, urban renewal, contractor material library validation)
Build a partner shortlist covering design channels, installation support, distribution, and certification/technical support
Develop pilot scope options, pricing assumptions, and entry-mode options for senior decision

Phase 4 - Entry Recommendation & Implementation Planning (Months 10-12)

Compile a final entry recommendation with risk review and decision gate assessment for next-stage investment
Support early-stage partner outreach and pilot coordination under senior direction
Present key gaps in certification, partner readiness, and commercial viability to senior leadership
Contribute to documentation of lessons learned and preparation of materials for follow-on investment decisions

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Business, or a related discipline
Strong written and spoken English
Demonstrated experience in market research, competitive intelligence, or strategic analysis
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data organization tools
Strong documentation and reporting skills, including ability to draft structured briefs, one-pagers, and stakeholder presentations

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with China's building materials sector, green building policies, or construction industry ecosystems
Experience with ESG analytics, sustainability benchmarking, or low-carbon urban development research
Prior exposure to NUS-linked, Singapore-China, or alumni professional networks
Working knowledge of CFA, PMP, or sustainable finance frameworks
Experience with spatial analysis tools (GIS/QGIS, AutoCAD) or design software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) as a complement to analytical tasks
Prior internship or work experience in financial services, real estate, or professional services environment

Attributes

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage structured deliverables under phased timelines
Comfortable working under close senior guidance with a learner's mindset
Proactive in network activation and stakeholder outreach through institutional and professional channels
Exercise sound professional judgment

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a brief cover letter to the NUS Career Portal. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Research Assistant (Innovation Commercialisation & Market Intelligence)