Job Description
The Centre for International Law (CIL) invites applications for two Research Fellow positions for a period of two (2) years from candidates with a PhD in international law, particularly in public international law, law of the sea, or international regulation of shipping, and with a demonstrated interest in oceans law and policy.
Applicants with experience in academic research institutes, international organizations, or government agencies are strongly encouraged to apply. Expertise on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction and/or climate change and the law of the sea will be considered an advantage.
The Research Fellow Programme at CIL offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate with and learn from other scholars and experts within the CIL Oceans Law and Policy Team, in a dynamic and supportive research environment.
CIL supports both collaborative and independent research initiatives. Junior research staff are provided with opportunities to participate in regional and international conferences, workshops and symposiums, including the Rhodes Academy of Oceans Law and Policy. Researchers at CIL are encouraged to publish their work in a variety of academic forums. In addition to research activities, members of the research team are expected to contribute to the planning and organisation of international and regional conferences, workshops, and training courses for academic and capacity-building purposes. Research Fellows may also undertake administrative responsibilities that support the Centre's vision and mission.
Qualifications
- A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in international law, with specialisation in public international law, law of the sea, or a related field;
- A minimum of two years of relevant professional or research experience;
- A demonstrated research interest in oceans law and policy;
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
- Excellent written and spoken proficiency in English.
Application Procedures
Interested applicants are invited to apply online through the NUS Career Portal by 12 April 2026. Applications should include the following documents:
- A covering letter outlining the applicant's relevant experience, motivation for working at CIL, and any specific research interests;
- A detailed curriculum vitae (no more than 3 pages) describing the applicant's educational background and professional experience;
- Two samples of written work;
- Names and contact details of at least three academic referees, including the applicant's PhD supervisor.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Candidates may also be required to complete a short written test to assess their research and writing skills.
More Information
About CIL: The Centre for International Law (CIL) was established in 2009 as a university-level research institute at National University of Singapore (NUS). It is located on the Bukit Timah Campus of NUS, together with the Faculty of Law. As a university-level research institute, CIL engages in both legal and multi-disciplinary research on wide variety of international law issues. Its mission is to enable Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region to play a more significant role in the promotion and development of international law. CIL's vision is to become a regional intellectual hub and thought leader for research on and teaching of international law. More on CIL can be found here: https://cil.nus.edu.sg/
About the Oceans Law and Policy Team: Ocean Law & Policy is one of CIL’s core programme areas and was established over 10 years ago. It is co-headed by Emeritus Professor Robert Beckman and Dr. Tara Davenport. The Members of CIL’s Ocean Law & Policy team currently conduct research on a broad range of cutting-edge ocean law and policy issues of interest to Singapore, the region and the international community, including maritime security, marine environment, climate change and law of the sea, biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, maritime disputes, technology and the law of the sea, deep seabed mining, fisheries and submarine cables. CIL researchers go on to a variety of positions in government, academia and international organizations. For more information on the OLP’s team’s research activities, please see https://cil.nus.edu.sg/research/ocean-law-policy/.
