Research Assistant (Human-computer interaction, Teen AI Safety and Digital Well-Being Project), DID

Job Title: Research Assistant (Human-computer interaction, Teen AI Safety and Digital Well-Being Project), DID University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Division of Industrial Design Employee Category: Research Staff Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus Posting Start Date: 09/04/2026 Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join a funded research project on AI safety and youth digital well-being in Singapore. The project focuses on designing empowerment-oriented tools that support healthier teen-mobile technology relationships without relying on surveillance, monitoring, or enforcement.

This role is ideal for someone interested in research and design at the intersection of technology, well-being, and youth. The successful candidate will contribute to a project that combines empirical research, co-design, community engagement, and the development of real-world systems.

Role responsibilities

• Support and help lead studies with teens and relevant stakeholders in Singapore
• Assist with or help organize co-design workshops and community engagement activities
• Identify design and technical requirements for the project
• Contribute to the design, development, and field deployment of a system
• Support broader research activities, including data collection, synthesis, coordination, and documentation

Depending on the candidate’s experience and background, the role may involve different levels of responsibility in research design, project coordination, analysis, prototyping, and writing.

Who should apply This position would be a strong fit for candidates interested in human-computer interaction (HCI), teen digital well-being, online safety, AI safety, CSCW, and human-centered technology design. We especially welcome applicants with a strong interest in youth-related issues, whether through research, volunteering, education, mentoring, social work, community engagement, design, or related experience.

Candidates who bring prior experience working with youth or teens in Singapore, whether through educational activities, mentoring, volunteering, workshops, outreach, or research are most welcome. Familiarity with the Singapore education system, including secondary schools, junior colleges, and polytechnics, would be highly valuable, as would awareness of local digital well-being, online safety, or AI literacy initiatives relevant to young people.

This position may also be a strong fit for candidates considering future PhD study, particularly in interactive systems design, HCI, or related areas. Applicants who would like to pursue graduate study at NUS are welcome to mention this in their cover letter.

Position structure

We are looking for a candidate who can contribute to the project over a longer period, potentially for about one year.

Note: Appointment rank will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and degree background

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter. In your cover letter, please describe your relevant background and explain how you meet the core requirements and at least one of the preferred qualifications. If you have experience across multiple preferred areas, please highlight that as well.

Questions about the position may be directed to jcho@nus.edu.sg

Qualifications

Core requirements

• Strong interest in teen, adolescent, or youth digital well-being, online safety, AI safety, and/or HCI
• Basic understanding of research, design research, HCI, or human-centered technology development
• Motivation to contribute to a longer-term project with real-world impact in Singapore
• Ability to work collaboratively and responsibly with research and community partners

Preferred qualifications

Applicants should ideally demonstrate strength in one or more of the following areas:

• System development, especially exp