Research Assistant/Associate (Data Analyst), NAFA Cultural Policy Lab (2-year contract)

data-driven decision-making.

In this role, you will contribute to research projects through end-to-end high-quality data research, including data gathering, data cleaning, data processing, data analysis and data analytics. The role also involves coordination and operational support for Lab activities, including project management and undertaking ad hoc tasks essential to successful and timely project delivery.

The position is best suited for candidates who possess a strong work ethic and keen to contribute to the arts through working with real-world data and translating evidence-based insights into strategy, governance and policy applications.

Roles and Responsibilities

Research and analysis:

• Conduct research and analysis to generate high-quality, actionable and evidence-based insights, including the collection, coding and analysis of data from multi-sources such as interviews, surveys, ethnographic and empirical fieldwork.
• Gather, synthesise and interpret research and data from multiple sources to identify trends, patterns and opportunities
• Ability to connect research trends and insights to actionable insights that address structural challenges and gaps in the arts
• Assist with the translation of research findings for a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies, academic and non-academic audiences

Data management and analysis:

• Gather, collate, review, clean and validate datasets
• Develop core data science components for the delivery of research projects, including constructing dedicated databases, dashboards and metrics in real-time
• Clean and document datasets for future reference and uses
• Generate visualisation of analyses
• Ensure data and fieldwork quality control, including checking for accuracy and acceptability of data collected as well as ensuring compliance with security and performance standards
• Ability to conduct statistical modelling, machine learning and develop stimulation models would be advantageous

Project Management and Administrative Support:

• Build and maintain strong relationships and collaborations with strategic partners
• Support the organisation of lab activities including interviews, workshops and meetings
• Provide operational support to the Lab, including procurement processes, documentation
• Support research division, cross-departmental and school initiatives as required

Requirements

Academic and professional qualifications:

• Applicants are expected to hold at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or an equivalent honours degree, or a Master’s degree in the Social Sciences and Humanities, ideally in the field of arts management, cultural economics, cultural studies, sociology, urban studies or public policy.

Functional competencies required in:

• Research and analysis
• Data storytelling
• Charts and dashboards
• Project management

Experiences and Skills:

• Keen interest and grounded background in the arts: strong theoretical and empirical grounding in arts management and/or cultural policy studies alongside deep situated knowledge of the arts and the conditions of cultural production would be preferred. Familiarity with the developments and trends affecting the arts ecologies in Singapore and Southeast Asia, particular in relation to the needs of local audiences, artists and arts groups would be further advantageous
• Demonstrated skills in research: hands-on experience with quantitative methods/policy analysis/statistical analysis; adept with working with numbers and proficient in Microsoft Excel and data analysis software
• Demonstrated familiarity with working with data: familiarity with statistical software and data visualisation tools would be an advantage, alongside exposure to visualisation libraries
• Strong written communication skills: excellent analytical and drafting skills, with proven ability to prepare clear and concise reports and working documents that reflect a maturity of thought
• Deep critical thinking: ability to distil critical issues and sense-make from a wide range of data, arriving at clear, in-depth and evidence-based insights
• Teamwork and collaborative outlook: Empathetic, adaptable, inclination for shared accountability, ability to work independently and with cross-disciplinary stakeholders and cross-functional teams
• Excellent project management: methodical, meticulous, self-directed and organised, with a strong aptitude for managing multiple tasks across concurrent workstreams in fast-paced research projects
• Organisation and multi-tasking: ability to cope with pressure and multiple tight timelines, as well as strong problem-solving abilities with the capacity to manage complexity and competing priorities
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude: Be self-initiated, have strong perseverance, open to learning and have a strong curiosity to explore new concepts, methods and technologies. An ability to identify and quickly learn the most suitable methodologies and tools for research would be advantageous
• Responsible data management: High level of discretion, tact and diplomacy, with demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information and confidential data

We invite candidates to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement and two samples of research work published in English. Apart from an interview, shortlisted candidates will also be expected to take a written test in person.

Application Closing Date:

Application Details

Please send us your detailed CV or resume in MS Word form/PDF, stating full details of qualifications, experience, current and expected salaries to:

People Excellence Office

Email: people.excellence@nafa.edu.sg

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.