Research Associate - Two-Year Contract

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/Associate for the Social Lab Department.

The job scope includes:

  • Scoping and collating literature reviews
  • Collecting, cleaning, formatting, and analysing primary/secondary data using statistical software (SPSS / R)
  • Managing and running research-driven programming and events
  • Preparing documentation for research ethics board reviews
  • Preparing interview/focus group questionnaires
  • Assisting in the design of survey instruments and experiments, including sampling strategies, questionnaire development, and data-collection protocols
  • Managing some aspects of fieldwork administration including field interviewer briefings, project progress monitoring, and data quality controls, in partnership with a dedicated fieldwork operations team
  • Engaging and managing stakeholders across workstreams
  • Attending project meetings, briefings, and subject-matter-expertise seminars as necessary
  • Summarising project results and preparing progress reports for the PI and funding agencies
  • Writing papers, articles, reports, chapters, and preparing presentations for internal, stakeholder, and public consumption
  • Presenting findings or analyses for internal, stakeholder, and public consumption as necessary

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

Applicants must:

  • Have an excellent academic track record, including a Bachelor's (for Research Assistants) or Master's (for Research Associates) in a social sciences discipline from a reputable university
  • Have strong grounding in quantitative methods and proven ability to handle and analyse large datasets.
  • Be familiar with statistical and programming software (especially SPSS, Qualtrics, and/or R) and data analysis

Additionally, you will be favourably considered if you:

  • Possess strong English language communication skills, with an ability to write in a clear, engaging, coherent, and expedited fashion
  • Exhibit keen interest in research pertaining to social issues, sentiments, and policies
  • Possess experience in conducting survey fieldwork or other forms of research data collection
  • Demonstrate strong commitment to meeting deadlines and have a track record of producing work that reflects a maturity of thought
  • Are highly attentive to detail and committed to data accuracy and quality
  • Be independent and initiated

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
  • Two writing samples (min. 500 words)

 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.)