Senior Principal Research Scientist (Human Science Programme)

Nanyang Technological University

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NTU Main Campus, Singapore Until 10/4/2026 12+ years exp First posted August 5, 2026 Last posted August 5, 2026
Job description

Temasek Laboratories@NTU explores the frontiers in science and develops strategic technologies to enhance the defence and security of Singapore. TL@NTU forms part of the defence technology community in Singapore alongside DSO National Laboratories, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), Temasek Laboratories @ NUS and @SUTD and the local defence industry.

For more details, please view https://www.ntu.edu.sg/temasek-labs .

This position primarily involves working on a project that aims to evaluate and develop work rest cycles that will be used by the Singapore Armed Forces. It will be done through the collection of empirical data through field trials and the development of prediction models based on these data. Together with the PD, the candidate is to lead the planning and execution of the project, to provide scientific guidance and leadership, and to chart the scientific direction for our research domains. The candidate will build capabilities to push the frontiers of research in exercise and health particularly in heat physiology and the physiological bases for physical work tolerance.

Key Responsibilities:

The candidate will work closely with Programme Director in the following areas of responsibilities

Administrative:

The PI takes the lead to:

  • Establish a research team that comprises the appropriate mix of knowledge and skillsets to meet the demands of the projects.

  • Build a cohesive team that is collaborative, highly productive and innovative in conducting their duties.

  • Ensures that the team has all essential equipment and facilities to conduct the studies safely and in accordance with professional standards.

  • Comply with all standards, policies and processes that are governed by the Institutional Research Board.

  • Comply with all administrative processes and policies of TL and NTU.

  • Ensure financial discipline and that the projects operate within the allocated budget.

  • Develop the professional and leadership skills of team members to lead future projects

  • Ensure sound data management practices for all projects under my charge

Technical:

The PI will lead his team in:

  • Ensuring sound study design, planning, operation and data management and analysis,

  • Upholding the quality of project presentations, technical reports and manuscripts for publication

  • Mentoring and nurturing the professional growth of members of the research team

  • Complying the standards and practices of Research Integrity in NTU

  • Attracting the appropriate collaborators to complement expertise and resources of the research team

  • Maintaining a close watch of the technological developments in the domain of specialty and to capitalise on these developments to generate impactful solutions to defence science research

User Engagement

  • Anchor engagement with MINDEF, DSTA and SAF stakeholders to maintain a good level of trust and alignment in project outcomes

  • Guide the team in navigating the areas of misalignment with users to minimise impact on progress of project and cohesion with users

  • Building credibility by benchmarking our research outcomes and deliverables to world class best practices and state of technology. In some areas of work, we are the ones pushing the technological barriers in the international scene.

  • Where possible, we deliver solutions beyond the scope of the contract.

  • Regular update to users on the state of technological development and our efforts in the technological race in the interest of defence R&D.

  • Keeping a close watch on technological development in the SAF and to seek opportunities to on human safety and performance in operating new equipment / platforms.

Programme Strategy and Growth

  • Keep close technological watch for developments and potential solutions that are relevant to the interests of MINDEF/SAF/DSTA.

  • Maintain and leverage on strategic alliances and networks with technology partners worldwide to offer novel solutions. We are both the gateway and drivers of solutions for human science in national defence

  • Capitalise on the strengths in the NTU ecosystem to offer a united front in delivering defence solutions

  • Engage users to generate interest on future projects and grow new programme domains in defence human science.

Job Requirements:

  • PhD degree in sports science / physiology / exercise physiology/ engineering or related field

  • At least 12 years of relevant experience in human performance / exercise physiology research

  • Familiarity with human physiology research and science, particularly in heat physiology

  • Proficiency in skills and processes involved in human performance research, such as IRB application, coordination with stakeholders, human subject recruitment, pre-during and post-trial operation and data collection, data analyses, manuscript writing

  • Good writing skills for writing proposals, technical reports, and publications in good academic journals.

  • Experience in leading and mentoring such as in heading labs or mentoring students at various levels or junior colleagues

  • Experience in obtaining research grants, as well as leading and managing research projects

  • Demonstrated academic / research excellence through high quality peer-reviewed publications

  • Good understanding of SAF and defence operating imperatives and working models / processes

  • Strong network with relevant local and international technical ecosystem

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU

About this role

Summary

Lead research on human performance, heat physiology, and defence technology development.

Job title

Senior Principal Research Scientist (Human Science Programme)

Experience level

12+ years

Minimum experience

12+ years exp

Industry

defence

Location requirements

NTU Main Campus, Singapore; on-site work required

Salary

Not specified

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

PhDhuman physiologyIRBdata collectionmanuscript writing

Preferred skills

research grantsmentoringpublicationsstakeholder coordinationdefence operations

Specializations

exercise physiologyheat physiologyhuman performancedata analysisresearch leadership
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Unknown location

On-site