Research Technologist (Ref:BD-MED)

SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED) is seeking a dedicated, hands-on Research Technologist to support the daily operations, collaborative research activities, and educational outreach efforts of our gardens and aquaponics farm. You will assist in the operation and maintenance of the gardens and aquaponics systems, including fish and crop care, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure upkeep. You will also play a key role in supporting interdisciplinary research objectives by working closely with internal teams and external partners to implement trials and collect field data. In addition to operational and research duties, you will help deliver educational programming, workshops, and tours designed to engage students, visitors, and local communities. This is a field-focused, collaborative role for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, and values sustainability.

Your responsibilities will include the following:
1) Aquaponics System Operation & Maintenance:
-  Monitor system parameters (pH, temp, Ammonia, Nitrates, etc) daily.
-  Maintain pumps, water tanks, filters, grow beds and troubleshoot system issues.
-  Follow sanitation protocols.
-  Feed and observe fish health, harvest fishes.
-  Seed, plant, prune, harvest crops and maintain records.
-  Assist with pest and disease control.

2) Hydroponics System Operation & Maintenance:
-  Monitor system parameters (pH, temp, etc) daily.
-  Maintain pumps, filters, water tanks, grow beds and troubleshoot system issues.
-  Follow sanitation protocols.

3) Inventory, Resource, and Waste Management:
-  Track, replenish inventory and optimize resource use.
-  Manage waste responsibly.
-  Support recycling and sustainability practices.

4) Public Engagement and Education:
-  Assist in hosting tours and workshops for staff, the public and other stakeholders.
-  Assist in weekly vegetable distribution.
-  Prepare demo areas.
-  Develop and update educational materials and support the team with outreach activities.

Requirements:
1) Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in one of the following (or a closely related) fields:
-  Environmental Science
-  Sustainable Agriculture
-  Horticulture
-  Agricultural Engineering

2) Hands-on experience in aquaponics, hydroponics, aquaculture, or greenhouse operations.

3) Experience assisting in farm-based research or data collection.

4) Background in conducting educational tours or workshops is a plus.

5) Prior work in community agriculture, environmental nonprofits, or research institutions is advantageous.

6) A strong interest in sustainable agriculture practices and a passion for learning about aquaponics and integrated farming systems.

7) Ability to work well with a variety of teams, including research, operations, and educational staff, while also engaging with community members in public settings.

8) Problem solving skills, adaptable to manage a variety of tasks in a dynamic, evolving environment and adjusting to changing priorities, weather conditions, and research timelines.

9) Ability to clearly communicate technical and complex information to a variety of audiences, including team members, community members, and visitors.