Job Description

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is an autonomous research institute within National University of Singapore. IPS conducts research on Singapore public policy and engages actively with policymakers and the public.

Indicative areas of work include:

• Strategy Benchmarking: Compare Singapore’s national AI strategies with those of other digitally leading nations.
• Public Trust and Cognition: Work with IPS Social Lab on surveys and sensing studies of public trust in AI and its effects on critical thinking, informing qualitative research on cognition and policy.
• Workforce Impact: Study AI’s effects on Singapore’s workforce, including government, against global trends.
• Citizen Engagement: Explore public attitudes through deliberative research, building on IPS’ “Citizens Reassembled” initiative with REACH at MDDI.
• Quarterly AI Discussions: Support policy discussions involving researchers, policymakers and other partners, including discussion papers and international experts.
• Exact project scope may evolve in discussion with project partners. 

The job scope includes:

• Applied research: Conduct literature reviews, environmental scans, comparative AI strategy analysis and research on workforce and cognitive impacts.
• Survey and experimental research: Support IPS Social Lab in questionnaire design, piloting and analysis (SPSS, R, STATA or equivalent), including sensing tools such as eye-tracking.
• Qualitative research: Design and conduct interviews, focus groups and citizen deliberations; facilitate sessions and synthesise findings.
• Writing: Prepare discussion papers, research reports, policy briefs, concept notes, journal articles and opinion pieces.
• Project management and events: Track milestones, coordinate partners, support research ethics submissions and organise conferences, closed-door discussions and expert visits.

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD in a relevant social science or public policy discipline, and/or have an exceptional record in technology policy research and research management.
• Demonstrate strong research skills, intellectual curiosity and interest in AI and its policy and societal implications.
• Have qualitative and/or quantitative research experience, including surveys, experiments, interviews or focus groups.
• Write clearly and accurately in English, manage deadlines and work effectively with multiple partners.

Applicants will be favourably considered for knowledge or experience in relevant social science fields; AI technologies and governance in Singapore and internationally; deliberative, cognitive or behavioural research; or engagement with policymakers and practitioners.

What you can expect from the job:
Help build a new IPS research workstream, collaborate with government agencies, academics and international experts, and publish across policy and academic platforms. The role offers an individual opportunities to develop expertise in public policy, technology governance and social science research.

To apply:
Apply via the NUS Career Page with:
•    A one-page cover letter outlining relevant research experience
•    Curriculum vitae
•    Two writing samples (at least 500 words each)

In your cover letter, state your highest qualification, last drawn and expected salary, reason for leaving your current or last role, and earliest start date.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

IPS is looking to appoint a Research Fellow (AI and Policy) on a three-year contract basis.