Job Purpose

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 Research Assistant will work with Lead Researchers from the 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.

What you can expect

The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to work in a research team which examines key issues relating to Singapore’s ethnic relations and nation building. 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 individuals who are 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 Description

• 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 research fieldwork, including focus group discussions, participant observations, writing field notes, and in-depth interviews.
• Undertaking other administrative duties relating to research projects, such as corresponding with stakeholders and working with other IPS units and departments (e.g. Social Lab, Finance and Event Management).
• Organising and reporting of seminars and conferences.

Qualifications

• Be intellectually curious and possess strong research skills, preferably with some background and a keen interest in issues relating to Singapore’s ethnic minority groups. 
• Demonstrate experience and a strong competency in working with and synthesising large bodies of qualitative data (gathered through primary and secondary research). 
• Be competent in the use of qualitative 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. Knowledge of conversational Malay will be an asset.
• Be resourceful in getting things done, meet deadlines and work well with others.
• Have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant social science discipline from a reputable university.