Senior Researcher/Researcher (Nature & People Research)

National Parks Board

Fixed Terms

Closing on 04 Sep 2025

What the role is

The Centre for Science of Urban Nature (CSUN), part of the National Parks Board, drives application focused research to support Singapore’s vision of a City in Nature. Our research spans urban greenery, ecology, arboriculture, sustainable landscaping, geospatial analytics, and human–nature interactions - integrating science, design, and policy to enhance liveability, well-being, and ecological resilience in tropical cities.
We aim to be the regional leader in advancing and sharing evidence based strategies for harnessing greenery, ecology, and location intelligence to improve the urban living environment.

What you will be working on

As a member of CSUN’s Nature & People Interactions research team, you will be working on the following:

•   Lead and contribute to innovative research examining how people experience, use, and benefit from nature in urban Singapore.
•   Design and implement studies on themes such as recreational quality, mental well-being, social connectivity, and resilience—integrating geospatial and spatial-temporal analysis to assess patterns, accessibility, and environmental exposure.
•   Collect, analyse, and interpret data using both traditional research methods and GIS technologies to model and map human–nature relationships.
•   Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across NParks, universities, government agencies, and industry partners to deliver impactful and policy-relevant research.
•   Produce and present findings through geospatial visualisations, technical reports, publications, policy briefs, and stakeholder presentations.
•   Support other research and policy initiatives in the branch or agency as required.

What we are looking for

•   Masters or PhD in a field related to Sociology, Psychology, Human Geography, Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Policy
•   Experience with geospatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial statistics is advantageous but not required.
•   Proven skills in research design, statistical analysis, and qualitative/quantitative methodologies.
•   Experience with data visualisation and mapping for research communication.
•   Proficiency with statistical and geospatial software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for GIS).
•   At least 3 years of relevant work or research experience preferred.

Preferably, candidates should possess:
•   Demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and deliver research projects, including those with a strong geospatial analysis component.
•   Strong analytical, writing, and public presentation skills, including the ability to translate spatial data into compelling narratives for decision-making.
•   Effective interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities, with experience working in multi-sector or interdisciplinary teams.
•   Ability to handle administrative aspects of research, including grant management, budgeting, reporting, and project timeline management to ensure deliverables are met on schedule.
•   A passion for applying both social research and geospatial science to improve urban liveability, health, and community well-being.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About National Parks Board

At the National Parks Board (NParks), we take pride in conserving our natural heritage and enhancing green spaces for all to enjoy in our City in Nature. We have a multi-talented and highly passionate team that is driven by the goal to create a unique world-class living environment through excellence in biodiversity conservation, greenery and recreation, and veterinary care in partnership with the community. If you share our love for nature and animals, and our zest for innovation and continuous learning, we have the perfect working environment for you.

About your application process

This job is closing on 04 Sep 2025.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within National Parks Board or the wider Public Service.