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 Assistant (2-Year Contract) for the Society & Culture Department. The candidate will have the opportunity to acquire critical research skills and domain knowledge as well as benefit from exposure to intellectual exchange and networking.

The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to work in a research team which examines key issues relating to social policy, mental health, and education. 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 Assistant 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 candidate will also benefit from exposure to intellectual exchange and networking with various stakeholders linked to the Institute’s work. This job will provide excellent training for a fresh graduate or 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.

Job Responsibilities

• Assisting with the administration and management of research projects, including recruiting and managing participants and expert interviewees
• Conducting secondary research (e.g., literature review), data analysis for qualitative and quantitative research, and supporting the publication and dissemination of results and findings in reports, policy briefs, and conference and academic journal papers
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative research fieldwork, including focus group discussions, participant observations, survey questionnaires, writing field notes, and in-depth interviews
• Undertaking other administrative duties relating to research projects, such as corresponding with stakeholders and working with other departments (e.g., finance and event management)
• Organising and reporting of seminars and conferences

Job Requirements

• Be intellectually curious and possess strong research skills, preferably with some background and a keen interest in issues relating to social policy, mental health, and education
• Demonstrate experience and a strong competency in working with and synthesising large bodies of qualitative and/or quantitative data (gathered through primary and secondary research)
• Be competent in the use of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and in project management
• 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
• Be resourceful in getting things done and be able to meet deadlines and work well with others
• Have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant social science discipline from a reputable university