"Postdoctoral Fellowships in Asia Research Institute FY2026/27"

Asia Research Institute

The Asia Research Institute invites applications from ambitious scholars to conduct cutting-edge academic humanities or social sciences research on Asia. 

Apart from the quality of the proposed research and publication plans, and the applicant’s existing publication track record, positions will be awarded on the basis of the relationship of their research to the identified themes and priorities of the relevant ARI research clusters as listed in Research Clusters and Their Foci (click here). Given that a growing proportion of ARI’s funding is derived from external sources, preference will be also given to candidates with the potential to collaborate in developing competitive research grant applications. 

Applicants must indicate the Research Cluster(s) concerned in their research proposal.

Job Description

Researchers will work under the supervision of the Cluster Leader and take the lead in organising workshops and conferences, participate in cluster projects, and developing new initiatives (including applying for grant funding) as well as carrying out their own writing for publication. Administrative duties and committee work will be assigned and form part of the position.

Job Requirements

1. Candidates must have fulfilled all requirements of securing a PhD from a reputable university at the time they take up their appointment at ARI.
2. If you are still a PhD candidate at the point of application, you may also apply provided that you are confirmed for graduation by your commencement date at ARI. An official letter from the Registrar’s Office of your university will be required to confirm the award of your PhD degree.
3. Candidates must have an existing track record of publication and plausible plans for future high-quality publications to be completed during their time at ARI.

Terms of Appointment

1. The appointment will be tenable for a period of two years.
2. Applications are invited for commencement in Jun/Jul 2026 or Dec 2026/Jan 2027.
3. The Postdoctoral Fellowship remuneration is S$6,000 per month.  This all-in sum is inclusive of stipends for housing and living expenses.
4. Please note that University Housing will not be provided, and appointees are expected to make their own private accommodation arrangements.
5. Travel assistance will be provided to eligible candidates.
6. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for provident fund benefits.
7. All salary and benefits-in-kind are subjected to taxation in accordance with local tax laws.
8. There is support for research fieldwork and conference attendance (on application and subject to approval).
9. Research staff at ARI are expected to participate actively in the life of the Institute, including attendance at seminars, conferences and ARI social events.
10. Other benefits that the University provides and information about working at NUS and living in Singapore are available at Why Join Us. Terms and conditions, according to university guidelines, are subject to change without prior notice.

Application Process

Please submit the following documents in one (combined) PDF and attach it under the CV column in the system

1. Curriculum Vitae(maximum of 3 single-spaced pages).
2. Synopsis of the proposed research activities (maximum of 2 single-spaced pages), including: (i) how these relate to prior (esp. doctoral) work and experience; (ii) how they contribute to the relevant ARI research cluster(s); (iii) publication plans during the 2-year timeframe of the position (please indicate the Research Cluster(s) you wish to apply for, you may n