Job Description

About the Centre for Ageing Research & Education (CARE)

CARE is a multi-disciplinary research centre based in Duke-NUS Medical School (Singapore) with expertise in public health, public policy, sociology, demography, gerontology and epidemiology to identify needs and develop strategies to enhance the experience of ageing in Singapore. 

CARE thrives on creating a collaborative and interdisciplinary space among research staff as well as external research investigators. We value the energy, passion and thought leadership of promising scholars who desire to achieve health, social inclusion and a high quality of life for older adults in Singapore. 

Position Overview:    
We are seeking a dedicated Research Fellow with expertise in ageing and public health, complemented by significant experience in applied qualitative research. Successful candidates should have a strong background in designing and conducting qualitative studies that inform real-world policies, programmes, and interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of older adults. This role offers an exciting opportunity to bridge research and practice, contributing to meaningful and impactful outcomes in ageing and population health.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Applied Research Design and Execution:

• Design and implement qualitative research studies that address pressing challenges in ageing and population health.
• Conduct applied research focused on informing programme development, service delivery, and policy frameworks.
• Employ participatory approaches, such as community-based participatory research (CBPR) and co-design methods, to engage older adults, caregivers, and stakeholders in the research process.

2. Data Collection and Analysis:

• Collect data through interviews, focus groups, case studies, and other qualitative methods tailored to applied settings.
• Analyse data using software tools (e.g., NVivo, MAXQDA) to identify actionable insights.
• Translate complex data narratives into practical recommendations for stakeholders, practitioners, and policymakers.

3. Knowledge Translation and Dissemination:

• Publish findings in high impact peer-reviewed journals and present at local and international conferences.
• Prepare research outputs, including policy briefs, reports, and presentations tailored to non-academic audiences.
• Develop training materials and conduct research workshops to enhance the capacity of researchers, healthcare professionals and organizations working with older populations.
• Assist in organising research symposiums or conferences. 

4. Teaching and Mentorship:

• Design and deliver graduate-level seminars on ageing, public health and qualitative research methodologies.
• Mentor and supervise junior research staff, providing guidance on their research progress and professional development.
• Contribute to curriculum development in related fields. 

5. Stakeholder and Community Engagement:

• Collaborate with government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, and community organizations to co-develop research questions and solutions.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, focus groups, and workshops to ensure that research is grounded in real-world needs.

6. Grant Development and Project Management:

• Identify and secure funding from local, national, and international sources.
• Lead the management of research projects, including timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Qualifications and Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: PhD in Public Health, Gerontology, Sociology, Anthropology, or related fields, with a focus on applied qualitative research.
• Expertise: 
  • Strong knowledge of ageing-related issues and public health, with a demonstrated ability to connect research to practical applications. 
  • Strong grasp of the social determinants of health and health disparities among older populations.
• Research Experience:
  • Proven experience in applied qualitative research, including study design, data collection, analysis, and implementation of findings.
  • Experience with mixed-methods research is an advantage but not essential.
• Teaching Experience: 
  • Experience in designing and teaching graduate-level seminars in relevant fields.
  • Experience in team supervision and mentoring is an advantage.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti) and strong analytical skills to draw actionable conclusions.
• Communication Skills:
  • Strong ability to write and present for diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and the general public.
  • Strong track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals in fields of gerontology and public health. 
• Interpersonal Skills: 
  • Proven ability to engage and collaborate in interdisciplinary research teams,  with diverse stakeholders, including underserved or marginalized populations.
• Preferred Skills: 
  • Familiarity with implementation science, evaluation of public health programs, or behavior change models.
  • Experience in community-based participatory research and co-design methodologies. 

Key Attributes:

• A passion for translating research into real-world impacts.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple applied research projects.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research practices and outcomes.
   

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. A cover letter highlighting their expertise in applied qualitative research and its relevance to ageing and population  health.
2. A detailed CV, including a list of publications and relevant projects.
3. Contact information for [two/three] professional references.

Note: Applicants who possess the required expertise and experience but soon to complete their PhD/doctoral studies are also welcome to apply.