Research Associate – Southeast Asian Studies Next Generation Collaboratory

The Research Associate will oversee the implementation and administrative management of the Southeast Asian Studies Next Generation Postdoctoral Collaboratory (SEAS-NGPC), a Luce Foundation–funded initiative hosted by the Asia Research Institute (ARI) along with any related projects placed within the SEA Collaboratory umbrella. The position requires strong organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills to manage complex, multi-institutional activities, including an annual summer academy, research showcase, and ongoing networking initiatives. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Research & Data Managemen

• Coordinate surveys and data collection on postdoctoral pathways, mentoring, and capacity-building outcomes.
• Contribute to the creation of a career pathways database and capacity needs assessment report
• Support the codification of the Collaboratory model and the production of an implementation playbook

2. Project Coordination & Administratio

• Oversee day-to-day project operations in line with ARI and Luce Foundation requirements
• Develop and maintain project timelines, deliverables, and reporting mechanisms
• Manage project budget, track expenditures, and prepare financial documentation

3. Event & Program Managemen

• Organize and administer the annual one-week Academy (skills training, master classes, mentoring sessions)
• Coordinate the annual Showcase/Summit, including speaker invitations, participant recruitment, scheduling, venue booking, logistics, and digital support
• Oversee the production of program materials (agendas, handbooks, publicity kits, conference packs).

Key Duties and Responsibilities (II)

4. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagemen

• Serve as the primary liaison between ARI and partner institutions in Southeast Asia and North America (NRCs, SEASREP, GETSEA, etc.)
• Facilitate communications with senior scholars, institutional leaders, journal editors, and publishers participating in the Collaboratory
• Maintain relationships with past, current, and prospective fellows for long-term networking

5. Communications & Disseminatio

• Oversee the development and updating of the Collaboratory project website, including fellow profiles, event highlights, and outputs
• Draft reports, briefs, and publicity materials for ARI, NUS, and the Luce Foundation
• Ensure proper documentation and dissemination of Collaboratory outcomes to institutional partners and future grantees.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (minimum) in the humanities, social sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management, academic administration, or international program coordination.
• Demonstrated experience working with academic/research institutes, preferably in Southeast Asian or Asian Studies.
• Familiarity with grant-funded projects and donor reporting requirements.
• Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in a Southeast Asian language desirable

Core Competencies & Skills Require

• Research & Data Management: Competence in designing surveys, managing datasets, and supporting academic publications
• Project Management Expertise: Proven ability to coordinate complex academic/research projects, including budget oversight and multi-stakeholder partnerships
• Administrative & Reporting Skills: Ability to prepare grant reports, maintain compliance, and manage communications with funders
• Digital & Media Skills: Proficiency in maintaining websites, producing communication materials, and leveraging online platforms for academic networking.
• Event Planning Skills: Experience organizing conferences, workshops, or international academic meetings.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Strong ability to liaise with senior academics, international partners, and early career researchers.
• Cross-Cultural Competence: Familiarity with Southeast Asian and North American higher education environments; ability to navigate intercultural contexts.

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
• Academic certificates and transcripts.

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is hired. Only shortlisted or successful candidates will be notified.  

Applications are ONLY accepted via the online system. Email applications will NOT be considered.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Asia Research Institute

Department : Research

Job requisition ID : 30930