Job Description

The Department of Geography, National University of Singapore (NUS), invites applications for the position of Research Assistant. The successful applicant is expected to commence duties at NUS in August/September 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter.

This position is connected to a research project titled, “Ageing and Social Networks: Mapping the Life-worlds of Older Singaporeans”. The research focuses on the social and geographical characteristics of older adults’ social networks. The research team will combine Social Network Analysis with Qualitative Research and Geographic Information Science (GIS), thus blending large scale numerical survey data with deep, targeted qualitative research that is then mapped to real spaces. The project will study two neighbourhoods in Singapore, looking at how older adults’ networks of social care are shaped by their surroundings, as well as extending beyond.

The project is funded through a large grant awarded by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC). The project team consists of Principal Investigator Associate Professor Elaine Ho (Department of Geography), and Co-PIs Associate Professors Vincent Chua and Feng Chen-Chieh (Department of Sociology and Department of Geography respectively).

Scope and responsibilities

The RA will provide administrative support to the Principal Investigator for large grant management and liaise with the project team members or external parties on such matters. There will be opportunities to be involved in empirical research and/or data analyses that are central to the project.

Qualifications

Applicants are expected to hold at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or an equivalent honours degree, or a Masters degree in the Social Sciences.

Competencies

• Prior experience in conducting independent research and skills in qualitative research and analyses
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn about and work with researchers using quantitative methods and Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques
• Excellent organization and interpersonal skills
• Basic computer knowledge and core Microsoft Office skills
• Prior experience in large grant management will be an advantage
• Skills in one or more of the following languages central to the research project will be an advantage: Mandarin and/or Chinese dialects used in Singapore (e.g. Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew or Hainanese); Malay or Tamil.
• Excellent writing and strong communication skills in English, including an ability to present research in both academic and non-academic venues 
• Curiosity and passion to explore new concepts, methods and technologies, and capable of identifying and quickly learning the most suitable tools for the research on the go
• A good team player and the ability to multitask effectively

More Information

Informal enquiries may be made to Associate Prof. Elaine Ho (elaine.ho@nus.edu.sg). Please include a covering letter, full CV and 3 letters of recommendation in your application. 

This is a one year contract which can be extended according to performance.