Asia Research Institute (ARI)

The Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore (NUS), invites applications for the full-time position of Research Assistant (RA) 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 up until the end of the project in August 2030.

Job Description

The successful candidate will possess relevant experience and interest in researching ageing and migration in Singapore in relation to Asia. The candidate will participate in primarily qualitative research and analysis; those with knowledge of mixed methods will be viewed favorably.

The RA will provide administrative support to the Principal Investigator for large grant management and liaise with the project team members or external parties on such matters. There will be opportunities to be involved in empirical research and/or data analyses that are central to the project. He/she will also take responsibility for liaising with Singapore-based stakeholders involved in the research.

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

Job Requirements

The successful candidate should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Geography, Sociology and Anthropology or cognate fields).

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Interest in and/or aptitude for researching ageing and migration in Singapore in relation to Asia.
• Strong qualitative research skills; experience of working with mixed methods will be an advantage.
• Excellent writing and strong communication skills in English, including an ability to present research in both academic and non-academic settings .
• Conversational proficiency in one or more of the following languages central to the research project will be an advantage: Mandarin and/or Chinese dialects used in Singapore (e.g. Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew or Hainanese); Malay or Tamil.
• Prior experience in large grant management and/or liaising with diverse types of stakeholders will be an advantage.
• Curiosity and passion to explore new concepts, methods and technologies, and capable of identifying and quickly learning the most suitable tools for the research on the go.
• Core Microsoft Office skills are expected.
• A good team player and the ability to multitask effectively.
• Excellent organisational, time management and interpersonal skills.

Terms and Conditions

1. • 1. Contract commencing as soon as possible for an initial period of 12 months.
     2. A competitive salary and excellent working environment.
     3. All salary and benefits-in-kind are subject to taxation in accordance with Singaporean tax laws.
     4. Other benefits that NUS provides and information about living and working in Singapore are available at http://www.nus.edu.sg/careers/potentialhires/index.html

 *Terms and conditions, according to university guidelines, are subject to change without prior notice.

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.
• Letter of application not exceeding 500 words, describing the reasons for being interested in the position and relevant past experience. Applicants should also type the following in the subject line of their email: Ageing Futures grant – Research Assistant application
• Academic certificates and transcripts.

Interested candidates, please submit your application by 31 July 2026.  Evaluation of applications will commence immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Shortlisted candidates will be notified soon thereafter and interviewed in-person or online (via zoom), as appropriate.

For further enquiries about this position and/or about the Ageing Futures research project, please contact: Professor Elaine Ho (elaine.ho@nus.edu.sg).