Asia Research Institute (ARI)

The Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore (NUS), invites applications for the full-time position of Postdoctoral/Research Fellow to work on a four-year long research project, funded by the Social Sciences Research Council (SSRC) Singapore, under its Thematic Grant programme, Ageing Futures and Resource Environments of Foreign-born Singapore Residents. The position is available on a full-time basis for one year in the first instance, with possibility for renewal into the second year.

The successful applicant is expected to commence duties at NUS in October 2026, and no later than December 2026.

Project description

Ageing and migration are major life-course transitions that create uncertainty and require adaptation, yet they are usually studied separately. This project examines the “resource environments” of foreign-born older adults, namely the formal and informal supports they assemble locally and transnationally, including through digital connectivity. Our study also compares foreign-born with local-born older adults to consider how their respective resource environments shape belonging, participation, and opportunity. By drawing on survey findings and multi-stage qualitative fieldwork, the research will bring together analyses of social networks, healthcare, eldercare, and productive ageing. Overall, the study aims to advance conceptual understanding of the ageing-migration nexus and inform policy responses on ageing, healthcare, eldercare, digital inclusion, and long-term integration.

The successful applicant will be hosted in the ARI Migration and Mobilities Cluster and will work with Prof Elaine Ho (Principal Investigator) and an interdisciplinary team of Co-Investigators.   

Job Description

The successful candidate will primarily conduct qualitative research in Singapore with foreign-born Singapore residents aged 55 years and above, originating from different countries in Asia. As this is a mixed-methods and interdisciplinary study, he/she will be expected to conduct research analyses with researchers from different disciplinary orientations too. He/she will also participate in research writing and dissemination related to the research project, for both academic and non-academic audiences.

He/she will have the opportunity to:

• Present research work at international and domestic conferences;
• Participate in joint authorship of publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals; and
• Be involved in organizing project meetings, workshops and seminars, applying for grant funding, and participating in current cluster projects. 

Job Requirements

Applicants are expected to fulfil the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD degree (or awaiting conferment) in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities, preferably in Social Geography, Sociology, Anthropology or Migration Studies.
• Show demonstrable evidence of a research interest in the themes of the project.
• Strong qualitative research skills; experience of working with mixed methods will be an advantage.
• Conversational proficiency in one or more of the following languages central to the research project will be an advantage: Hindi/Tamil/Bengali, Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesian, and Vietnamese.
• Demonstrate potential in developing a record of publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Exhibit a high level of competence and flair in written and spoken communication and in academic writing.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and with non-academic stakeholders.

Terms of Employment

The appointment will be for a period of one year. An all-inclusive, fixed monthly salary of S$6,000-S$6,500 (depending on experience). This all-in sum is inclusive of stipends for housing and living expenses.

Travel assistance will be provided for successful applicants from overseas. Singapore citizens and permanent residents are eligible for Central Provident Fund benefits. All salary and benefit-in-kind are subject to taxation in accordance with local tax laws.

There is support for project-related research fieldwork and conference attendance (subject to approval).

Research staff at ARI are expected to participate actively in research activities including attendance at seminars, conferences and ARI social events.

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:

• Curriculum vitae
• A cover letter, of no more than 800 words, explaining the applicant’s past research experience and aptitude in relation to the research project
• Transcripts
• One writing sample (not exceeding 8000 words)

Interested candidates, please submit your application by 14 August 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be notified. Shortlisted applicants may be called for interview in-person/by zoom. The interview will take place in late August or early September 2026.