Research Assistant, Fieldwork

Overview Research Assistant (Fieldwork) – 2-Year Contract

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)' Social Lab is seeking a proactive and dedicated Research Assistant to join our team. The Research Assistant will play a crucial role in gathering data and supporting research initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in social science research while working in diverse and dynamic environments.

Core and Ad-Hoc Responsibilities

While researchers are expected to contribute in many ways to ongoing projects at IPS, typical work includes some combination of the following (though usually not all at once!):

Core Responsibilities

• Survey Data Collection: Conducting face-to-face interviews, administering questionnaires, and collecting data through various survey methodologies in designated study locations.
• Fieldwork Preparation: Assisting in the development and refinement of survey instruments, ensuring the accuracy and clarity of questions, and preparing survey materials for distribution.
• Participant Recruitment: Collaborating with the research team to identify suitable survey participants, contacting potential respondents, and explaining the study objectives and procedures.
• Ethical Compliance: Ensuring research ethics and data privacy are upheld throughout the survey process, obtaining informed consent from participants, and maintaining confidentiality of respondents' information.
• Field Logistics: Organizing and coordinating field visits, arranging travel arrangements, and managing any logistical challenges that may arise during the fieldwork.
• Data Quality Assurance: Verifying the accuracy and completeness of collected data, resolving discrepancies, and implementing quality control measures to maintain data integrity.
• Fieldwork Documentation: Maintaining comprehensive records of fieldwork activities, including tracking survey progress, keeping detailed field notes, and reporting any unexpected developments.
• Communication and Reporting: Providing regular updates to the research team on fieldwork progress, challenges, and findings, and contributing to the preparation of survey reports and presentations.
• Training and Capacity Building: Participating in training sessions related to research protocols, data collection techniques, and survey implementation to enhance fieldwork skills and knowledge.
• Literature review and analysis: Scoping and collating literature reviews; cleaning, formatting, and analysing primary/secondary data

Ad-hoc Responsibilities

• Assisting with events and outreach associated with research workstreams, such as rapporteuring, planning, and hosting conferences and workshops
• Other administrative tasks as assigned

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you should fulfil the following criteria at a minimum:

• Be a Singapore Citizen (owing to the nature of IPS' workstreams)
• En-route or have obtained a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., sociology, psychology, public health, anthropology, or related disciplines)
• Proven experience in conducting survey fieldwork or relevant research data collection is desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse populations and build rapport with participants.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and quality
• Ethical awareness and adherence to research ethics principles.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in different field settings and travel to various locations as required.
• Proficiency in using technology for data collection (e.g., mobile devices, tablets, survey software) is advantageous.
• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS) and data analysis is a plus

Application Application

To apply, please upload the following documents via NUS Career Page:

• One-page cover letter (with a brief statement of relevant research experience)
• Curriculum vitae

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.)

More Information

Location: Bukit Timah Campus
Organization: Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
Department: Institute of Policy Studies
Employee Referral Eligible: No
Job requisition ID: 21582