Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant

About SUTD

SUTD is the world's first Design AI university. With Design AI, artificial intelligence is treated as a partner and a member of the team - not just a tool. As a result of this unique SUTD treatment, AI and humans brainstorm, spar and prototype together, resulting in solutions that are elevated several-fold. This human-AI team concept has been made possible because of SUTD's unique cohort-based interdisciplinary pedagogy. As a trailblazer in the field of design and technology education and research, SUTD has been pioneering innovative programmes and initiatives since its formation 16 years ago. As part its new mid-term growth strategy called SUTD Leap, it will work closely with industry to co-create solutions in both education and research - for a better world.

What You'll Do

We invite applications for a Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant to join a research project examining human-human and human-AI communication in multilingual/multicultural contexts, with a particular focus on senior adults in Singapore.

This project examines how linguistic diversity, cultural norms, and aging shape communicative breakdowns and adaptations in everyday interactions and technology-mediated communication. The Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant will primarily support the design and execution of empirical studies, including literature review, participant recruitment, conducting interviews and experimental sessions with young and senior adults, transcription and coding of multilingual dialogue, and field user studies in local elder-care settings. This role involves close collaboration with researchers across psychology, HCI, and AI to support the evaluation of culturally sensitive AI companion systems in real-world contexts.

Who We're Looking For

• At least a Bachelor's or Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, human-computer interaction, communication science, or a related field. Background in some empirical research methods (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) is required.
• Experience working with senior adults is highly desirable, as this role involves direct engagement with local senior adults and research materials in multiple languages, working proficiency in at least one of the following languages is strongly preferred: Chinese (Mandarin and/or dialects), Malay, or Indian languages (Tamil, Hindi).
• Familiarity with or interest in conversational AI is helpful but not required.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.