Research Associate in Asia Research Institute (Medicinal Animal Grant)

Asia Research Institute

The Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Research Cluster of the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, invites applications for a full-time Research Assistant/Research Associate position supporting the History and Sustainability of Animal-Based Drugs in Asian Traditional Medicines research project. 

With the expanded use of animal tissue for medicinal purposes, this project aims to answer how the use and trade of animal-based Traditional Medicine (TM) products in East and Southeast Asia has been shaped from the 1950s until the present and how this increase has impacted the sustainability of the resource on which it depends. By cross-referencing the use of faunal drugs and tissues in Traditional Chinese Medicine with other regional TMs (Japanese Kampo, Tibetan Sowa Rigpa, Vietnamese Thuốc Nam, Laotian and Cambodian medicines), this project will develop a comparative study in a field where each medical practice had hitherto been studied in isolation. 

Job Description

The successful candidate will assist the PI (A/P Gregory Clancey) and Co-PI (Dr Liz P.Y. Chee) in conducting research around the project’s central themes: 

1. The historical development of the animal-based drug trade across East and Southeast Asia. 
2. The impact on animal populations of the expansion in TM pharmaceutical supply chains in Asia within the last seventy years. They will also be in charge of managing the ‘TM Faunal Resource Database’ which will enable researchers on the project to identify patterns of change. 

Job Requirements

Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria: 

• A strong Undergraduate or Master’s degree in history, STS, environmental/conservation science, sociology, anthropology, or a closely related field, along with a willingness to work across disciplines.
• Experience working with archives and special library collections.
• Ability to read and translate into English texts written in either Chinese, Japanese, or Vietnamese (the three primary languages used in our database sources; only one language specialty required).
• The ability to work independently, as well as resourcefulness to locate sources and collect data. 
• Experience in constructing databases and websites is an asset. 

This full-time position has been designed for one year in the first instance but is extendable for one to two subsequent years based on performance. 

Application Process

To apply for this position, please combine the following documents in 1 PDF and attach it under the CV column when submitting your application:

• Full Curriculum vitae, including the names of two referees who would be prepared to provide confidential references.

Successful applicants will be based at Asia Research Institute (ARI).

Shortlisted candidates will be notified soon thereafter and interviewed in-person or online (via zoom), as appropriate.