Job Description 

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is a policy research think-tank in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.

IPS is looking to hire a Research Associate for its Society & Culture department for two years. The Research Associate assists senior members of the research staff in the applied policy work that he/she does and is also given the leeway to seek small research grants and conduct he/she own independent research projects. The Research Associate will have the opportunity to acquire critical research skills and domain knowledge, develop his/her individual research capacity as well as benefit from exposure to intellectual exchange and networking.

The Research Associate will have the opportunity to work in a research team which examines key issues relating to media and technology. Researchers work on a variety of projects initiated by the Institute, the government and the non-profit sector, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The Research Associate will be able to engage in a number of research projects and have opportunities to co-author articles and research papers with other members of the research team. The Research Associate will benefit from exposure to intellectual exchange and networking with various stakeholders linked to the Institute’s work. This role will provide excellent training for an early career researcher who is seeking to develop a career in the fields of public policy or social science research, whether in academia, the public service, or the private sector. It is also beneficial to those contemplating doctoral studies. It will allow them to build a portfolio of relevant work that will strengthen their applications to doctoral programmes.

Job Responsibilities

• Assisting in research projects from project and fieldwork design to implementation and analysis
• Conducting primary qualitative and quantitative research, including focus group discussions, participant observations, surveys and in-depth interviews
• Conducting secondary research (e.g., literature review)
• Presenting research work to internal and external stakeholders, and supporting the publication and dissemination of research findings in reports, policy briefs, and conference and academic journal papers, and IPS’ online channels
• Organising and reporting of seminars and conferences
• Tracking research developments in relevant policy domains
• Assisting with the administration and management of research projects, including recruiting and managing participants, corresponding with stakeholders and working with other departments (e.g., finance and event management)

Qualifications

• Be intellectually curious and possess strong research skills, preferably with some work experience and a keen interest in issues relating to media and technology
• Have experience and a strong competency in working with and synthesising large bodies of qualitative and quantitative data (gathered through primary and secondary research)
• Have a strong command of the English language and be able to write in a clear and engaging manner, with a passion for grammar, detail and accuracy
• Have strong analytical skills and demonstrate expertise in information gathering, analysis and review
• Be resourceful in getting things done and be able to meet deadlines and work well with others
• Have a Master’s degree with Honours in a relevant social science discipline from a reputable university

Application Procedures Please e-mail the following to ips.careers@nus.edu.sg:

• One-page cover letter (with a brief statement of relevant research experience)
• Curriculum vitae
• Two writing samples (min. 500 words)

Your cover letter should include details such as your highest qualifications, last drawn salary, expected salary and reasons for leaving your last/current position. Please also state when you expect to be able to begin work, if this position is offered to you.

(We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.)