Research Fellow (Multimodal Interaction), Singapore

Job Title: Research Fellow (Multimodal Interaction)
University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering
Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Employee Category: Research Staff
Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus
Posting Start Date: 14/05/2026
Job Description
We NUS Immersive Reality Lab are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join our multidisciplinary team developing next-generation multimodal interactive systems, with a strong emphasis on tangible systems, haptic interfaces, and wearable devices.
The successful candidate will contribute to the full pipeline of interactive system research, including device design, embedded implementation, user evaluation, and top-tier academic dissemination.
Key Responsibilities
Research & System Development
Conduct independent and collaborative research projects aligned with the lab's strategic directions. Design and implement novel multimodal interaction techniques, particularly involving touch, vibration, thermal, or wearable feedback. Contribute to interdisciplinary research bridging HCI, haptic actuating and sensing, and immersive reality.
Hardware Prototyping & Engineering
Develop functional prototypes of interactive devices, including: wearable haptic systems, tactile sensing surfaces, IoT-enabled interactive platforms, embedded multimodal interfaces Design and integrate hardware components such as sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers. Build and iterate prototypes using rapid fabrication tools (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting, soft-material prototyping). Implement embedded firmware and real-time control pipelines for interactive feedback. Interface hardware with VR/AR software environments (e.g., Unity, real-time streaming, device drivers).
User Studies & Evaluation
Plan and conduct rigorous user-centered evaluations, including usability studies, psychophysical experiments, and deployment-based validation. Analyze experimental data and translate findings into design insights and improved system iterations.
Academic Output & Mentorship
Publish research results in leading international venues and present work at major conferences. Supervise and mentor undergraduate student teams working on multimodal interaction and prototyping projects. Support the lab's research culture through brainstorming, technical discussions, and collaborative development.
Qualifications
PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, IoT Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Research focuses on one or more of the following areas:
haptic devices and tactile interfaces wearable computing embedded/IoT interactive systems multimodal HCI and immersive interaction
Strong programming skills, with proficiency in C++ / C# / Python. Demonstrated hands-on experience in hardware prototyping, including:
microcontroller platforms (e.g., Arduino, ESP32, STM32) sensor/actuator integration circuit design and debugging embedded firmware development
Familiarity with rapid prototyping and fabrication workflows.
Expertise in real-time interactive system integration (Unity, VR hardware)
Open to Fixed Term Contract.