Research Associate: Business Developer Lead for a Holistic Lifestyle Intervention

Research Associate: Business Developer Lead for a Holistic Lifestyle Intervention

ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities in the world with a strong focus on science and engineering. In 2010 it established the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF) to do interdisciplinary research on pressing problems.

In collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Duke - NUS, the National Health Group (NHG), National University Health System (NUHS), and SingHealth, SEC is undertaking a research program on "Future Health Technologies FHT". It addresses some immanent health challenges by developing a future-oriented Mobile Digital Health Concept that tackles the increase in patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and stroke, and mental health conditions such as depression, as a consequence of a rapidly ageing population with mobile digital technologies, covering the value chain from acute care to patient's private homes. Within this framework, we are announcing the following job opening.

The onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, or common mental disorders (CMDs), such as depression, is a global phenomenon that has been linked to a number of leading causes of disability. The development of NCDs and CMDs is largely influenced by lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise, diet, and stress management). Behavioural interventions in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy are known to be effective in preventing the onset of NCDs and CMDs. However, current interventions are limited in their scalability and do not provide personalized lifestyle coaching in the everyday life of vulnerable individuals. The Mobile Health Interventions module of the FHT program investigates therefore how holistic mobile chatbot technology can be leveraged to assist vulnerable individuals in preventing NCDs and CMDs. In this regard, smartphone-based chatbot interventions may act as scalable lifestyle coaches, guiding vulnerable individuals through a personalized digital health intervention based on principles of behavioural medicine and mental health theories.

As an associate researcher in business development for a digital holistic lifestyle intervention, you will investigate different business models and analyze their applicability. This includes but is not limited to:

• Designing and executing marketing strategies to help identify the best recruitment and advertising strategies (incl. online, and offline) for potential stakeholders to our smartphone-based and chatbot-delivered intervention that aims to prevent NCDs and CMDs in vulnerable individuals.
• Collaborating with our research partners from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH) and the Physical Activity and Nutrition Determinants (PANDA) research program at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the National University Health System (NUHS), and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), while working with both vulnerable individuals in a public health context.
• Evaluating different business models including product-market fit, assessing market needs based on available solutions, and financial implications.

Together with a team of principal researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral students/ research staff (with a background in health psychology, clinical psychology, public health, behavioural medicine, and technology management), study nurses and software engineers, you will lead efforts to develop the business model. Your key findings will ideally facilitate the adoption of the digital lifestyle intervention by the Singaporean healthcare system (e.g., Health Promotion Board, National Parks Board, hospitals and polyclinics, health insurers, digital health start-ups) and other (business) organizations (e.g., universities).

This is a unique opportunity to build your experience in business development by supporting a high-quality, government-funded project. Amongst the many benefits associated with working at SEC, you will also receive formal and informal professional development and mentoring.

The preferred start date is September 1st, 2022. The position is fixed-term (from September 2022 to January 2023).Candidates will be screened on a continuous basis until the position has been filled.

Please note that the employment will be at the Singapore-​ETH Centre and local working regulations will apply. Workplace is Singapore.

Successful candidates have a strong background in the healthcare industry, including multiple years of experiences in industry and academic settings. Ideally, they also have experience in the field of digital holistic lifestyle interventions (incl. mental health, physical activity, and diet/ nutrition) and conversational agents (e.g., experience with MobileCoach); or equivalent experience of driving adoption of novel products. Candidates are also required to have a Master’s degree, as well as experience in strategy, business development, and product management; additional experience in the area of business analytics is a plus. They are familiar with the ethical, legal, and health-political challenges of medical research. Important qualifications for this position are excellent communication skills in English, positive experiences with interdisciplinary collaborations, a sense for pursuing overreaching goals, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the capacity to establish a wide local, national, and international network with researchers, clinicians, digital health entrepreneurs, and the Singaporean healthcare system.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application including the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining your motivation and experience in the fields of digital health, especially holistic lifestyle interventions, prevention of non-communicable diseases, common mental disorders, healthy lifestyle, conversational agents, and business development
• CV
• Certificates (e.g., Master's and Bachelor's degree)
• List of publications (including qualifying theses and/or "under review" and "work-in-progress" manuscripts)
• Transcript of records

For further information about our research and projects, please visit https://www.c4dhi.org.  More information about the Mobile Health Intervention Module of the FHT program is available here: https://fht.ethz.ch/research/mobile-health-interventions.html . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Tobias Kowatsch, Scientific Director of the Center for Digital Health Interventions (ETH Zurich & University of St.Gallen) and Assistant Professor for Digital Health, University of St.Gallen, by email at [email protected]  (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

The Singapore-ETH Centre is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer. All candidates will be evaluated on their merits and qualifications, without regards to gender, race, age or religion.