Research Fellow, Middle East Institute

Middle East Institute

The Middle East Institute (MEI), which was founded in 2007, is an autonomous research institute within the National University of Singapore (NUS). From its vantage point in Singapore, a crossroads of the world, MEI exists to advance understanding of the Middle East, and to deepen engagements between the Middle East and Asia. We do this through research, and aim to provide reasoned views to scholars, students, policymakers, businesses and the public through publications, lectures, consultations and outreach. We host speakers and visitors from and on the Middle East, and serve as a concourse for exchanging ideas and information on the Middle East in Singapore, Asia and the world.

Job Description

MEI is looking for outstanding researchers for the position of Research Fellow.

As a Singapore-based research institute, MEI is well-positioned between the Middle East and East Asia. We are therefore on the look-out for researchers who not only have an in-depth knowledge of the Middle East but also understand Northeast or Southeast Asia.

In particular, we seek researchers with expertise in the following areas of relevance to the Institute’s Research Clusters:

1. Global and geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, including China, Iran and Turkey.
2. Economies of the Gulf states, and the social, religious and cultural reforms they are undergoing.

The Institute’s Research Fellows work under the supervision of the Director and the Senior Associate Director. You may therefore be asked to:

1. Participate in current cluster projects and be encouraged to lead a project.
2. Assist with organising workshops and conferences.
3. Participate in the Institute’s outreach activities.
4. Contribute to academic research via peer-renewed journals, books, and chapters where requested.

As a Research Fellow at our Institute, you will be asked to contribute regularly to our publications and other communications platforms. Some activities you can expect to undertake include:

1. Being actively involved in the activities of your chosen research cluster and those of the wider Institute Contributing at least three in-house publications.
2. Write detailed analyses of current events for our stakeholders.
3. Call for, and edit, papers offering in-depth analysis of a single subject, for quarterly publication.
4. Providing short commentaries to our social media platforms.
5. Where appropriate, accepting requests for commentary from local and international media.
6. Participating in our outreach activities.

Qualifications

1. You must have fulfilled all requirements of securing a PhD from a reputable university.
2. You may apply even if you are still a PhD candidate. If you are successful, your graduation must be confirmed by the time you join the Institute’s staff. (You will require an official letter from the Registrar’s Office of your university confirming that you will be awarded your PhD degree).
3. Knowledge of at least one Middle Eastern language is an advantage.

Terms Of Appointment

1. Appointments will be made on a two year contract basis in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.
2. You will be paid a fixed monthly salary. This is an all-inclusive sum of stipends for housing and living expenses.
3. You will receive a one-time travel assistance payment.
4. Housing is NOT PROVIDED. You are expected to make your own private arrangements.
5. All salary and benefits-in-kind are subject to tax as required by Singapore’s tax laws.
6. You will be eligible for support for research fieldwork and conference attendance.
7. For further information on benefits, about working in NUS and living in Singapore, go to

http://www.nus.edu.sg/careers/whyjoinus.htm.

https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/setting-up-in-singapore/business-guides/guide-to-living-in-singapore.html

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to email their applications to meirecruit@nus.edu.sg (in the email subject, please clearly state “Application – Research Fellow”).

Applications should include:

1. Covering Letter;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. Copies of Certificates and Degrees (in English);
4. Two samples of published work in English; and
5. Two Letters of Reference via email

Additional Application Information

1. Only fully completed applications will be considered including the submission of the two letters of reference.
2. Please keep individual emails and attachments below 10MB, as larger sizes will not go through.
3. Application will remain open until qualified applicants are found.
4. Only successful candidates will be notified (via email). If you are not contacted within ten weeks after the closing date of the advertisement, the position has been filled.
5. Appointment is conditional on approval by the National University of Singapore (NUS), completion of all pre-employment formalities and the Ministry of Manpower granting you an Employment Pass or other applicable work passes.