Research Assistant (Policy Lab)

Job Description

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 to work on on-going research studies in the areas of community empowerment, and lower-income families in Singapore. The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to acquire critical research skills, gain field experience and knowledge working with vulnerable populations and benefit from exposure to intellectual exchange and networking.

At IPS Policy Lab, we find meaningful alternative solutions by constructively questioning the status quo. We do this by conducting policy experiments for impactful outcomes, convening the 3P (public, private, people) for collaborative knowledge creation, and co-creating knowledge and ideas to strengthen policymaking in Singapore.

The Research Assistant (Two year renewable contract) will be part of a team that examines social and policy issues affecting vulnerable groups and lower-income households in Singapore. The role involves contributing to high-quality data collection and fieldwork management, while also offering opportunities to collaborate on articles and research papers with other team members. This position provides a strong foundation for individuals at the early stages of their career who are interested in developing expertise in public policy or social science research, whether in academia, the public service, or the private sector.

The job scope includes:

• Assisting in the administration of on-going research projects
• Liaising with partner organisations and recruitment, management of undergraduate student researchers
• Conducting simple surveys and qualitative research 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, conference papers, academic journals, opinion editorials and book manuscripts
• Presenting research work to internal and external stakeholders
• Undertaking other administrative duties related to the research project, such as facilitate research conferences, workshops, closed-door discussions

Qualifications

• Have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant social science discipline from a reputable university
• Have keen interest in working with vulnerable populations, lower-income groups, social inequality, and social policy
• Have familiarity with qualitative research methods, qualitative analysis and data analytical tools such as Nvivo and Qualtrics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and engaging content
• 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
• Preferably with basic quantitative research knowledge and previous work or volunteering experience with the vulnerable population or low income groups