Job Description

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Job Title: Research Associate (Policy Lab) (29252)
Posting Start Date: 27/10/2025
:

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is a policy research think-tank in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. IPS is looking to hire a Research Assistant for the Policy Lab. The ideal candidate should be someone interested in collaborative governance, community empowerment, and educational equity. This includes contributing to projects that explore how communities can collectively solve problems, how citizens can be meaningfully engaged in policymaking, and how schools and neighbourhoods can be activated to support more equitable educational outcomes. Candidates should be comfortable supporting research, drafting policy briefs, and participating in sessions that advance participatory and equity-oriented policy design in Singapore.The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to acquire critical research skills, gain field experience and knowledge working with diverse populations and benefit from exposure to intellectual exchange and networking
The job scope includes:

• Assisting in the administration of on-going research project;
• Liaising with partner organisations and recruitment, management of undergraduate student researchers;
• Conducting simple surveys and ethnographic fieldwork, including participant observations, writing fieldnotes, and in-depth interviews;
• Conducting literature reviews, data analysis and supporting the publication and dissemination of results and findings in research reports, policy briefs, conference papers, academic journals, opinion editorials, and book manuscripts;
• Presenting research work to internal and external stakeholders; and
• Undertaking other administrative duties such as facilitate IPS's conferences, other research conferences, workshops, or closed-door discussions.

Applicants must:

• Have keen interest in research and development to co-develop and test policy solutions with relevant communities and stakeholders;
• Have familiarity with qualitative research methods, qualitative analysis and data analytical tools such as Nvivo and Qualtrics;
• Have strong English communication, with an ability to write in a clear and engaging manner;
• Have initiative and demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage projects;
• Demonstrate commitment to meeting deadlines and have a track record of producing work that reflects a maturity of thought; and
• Have at least a Bachelor's degree in a relevant social science discipline from a reputable university

Applicants preferably have:

• Previous work or volunteering experience in the areas of collaborative governance, community empowerment, and educational equity;

An interest in one or more of the Lab's current workstreams: designing services that empower communities to solve local problems; experimenting with democratic innovations such as citizens' panels and participatory budgeting; and exploring how education systems can be more inclusive and responsive to diverse learner needs; and
Experience contributing to research, stakeholder engagement, or public communications in participatory or community-based initiatives.
What you can expect from the job:
The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to work in a research team which examines social and policy issues affecting collaborative governance, community empowerment, and educational equity. The Research Assistant will be working in a team committed to ensuring high quality data collection and fieldwork management. The Policy Lab works on a variety of projects initiated by the institute, government and the non-profit sector using both qualitative and quantitative methods. In addition, the Research Assistant will also have opportunities to co-author articles and research papers with other members of the research team. This job will provide excellent grounding for a fresh graduate or an early career who is seeking to develop a career in the fields of public policy or social science research whether in academia, the public service or the private sector. You will be part of a team exploring how policy can be made more inclusive, responsive, and grounded in the lived experiences of communities: from how services are delivered, to how citizens participate in governance, to how schools support the full development of every learner.
To apply:
Please upload your cover letter and curriculum vitae via NUS Career Page
Your CV should include details such as your highest qualifications, last drawn salary, expected salary and reasons for leaving your last/current position. Please also state when you expect to be able to begin work if this position is offered to you. (We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.)

Skills Required