Research Associate (Social Lab in Singapore: 773192

Q: What are the minimum qualifications required for this Research Associate position?

The role requires a Master's degree in a social sciences discipline from a reputable university, along with a strong foundation in quantitative research methods . Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS , R , and survey platforms like Qualtrics . Excellent English communication and a track record of handling large datasets are essential. For more on research assistant roles, check our guide on research assistant jobs .

Q: What does the Social Lab at IPS do?

The Social Lab at the Institute of Policy Studies focuses on applied social research, including surveys, focus groups, and experiments on social issues, public sentiments, and policies. The team collects and analyses primary and secondary data to inform policy decisions. Learn about the broader field of research jobs in higher education .

Q: Is fieldwork experience necessary?

While not mandatory, candidates with experience in survey fieldwork or other forms of research data collection will be favourably considered. The role involves managing field interviewer briefings, project monitoring, and data quality checks. If you aspire to strengthen your academic CV for such roles, see our article on how to write a winning academic CV .

Q: What programming and statistical tools should I be familiar with?

Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS and R is required. Familiarity with survey platforms like Qualtrics and general data analysis tools is also essential. The job involves cleaning, formatting, and analysing large datasets, so strong quantitative skills are a must. For related career paths, view our postdoctoral and research staff openings .

Q: Does this position offer visa sponsorship?

The job posting does not specify visa sponsorship . International applicants should consult the National University of Singapore's hiring policies or contact the Institute directly for clarification. You can explore other international academic opportunities on AcademicJobs.com .

Job Title: Research Associate (Social Lab) (33984)

Posted On: 05/08/2026

University-Level Unit: Institute of Policy Studies

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Institute of Policy Studies

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Bukit Timah Campus

Posting Start Date: 05/08/2026

Job Description

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is an autonomous research institute within National University of Singapore. IPS is looking to hire a Research Associate for the Social Lab Department.

Core Responsibilities

Scoping and collating literature reviews
Collecting, cleaning, formatting, and analysing primary/secondary data using statistical software (SPSS / R) and/or survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics)
Managing and running research-driven programming and events
Preparing documentation for research ethics board reviews
Preparing interview/focus group questionnaires
Assisting in the design of survey instruments and experiments, including sampling strategies, questionnaire development, and data-collection protocols
Managing some aspects of fieldwork administration including field interviewer briefings, project progress monitoring, and data quality controls, in partnership with a dedicated fieldwork operations team
Engaging and managing stakeholders across workstreams
Attending project meetings, briefings, and subject-matter-expertise seminars as necessary
Summarising project results and preparing progress reports for the PI and funding agencies
Writing papers, articles, reports, chapters, and preparing presentations for internal, stakeholder, and public consumption
Presenting findings or analyses for internal, stakeholder, and public consumption as necessary

Ad-hoc Responsibilities

Assisting with events and outreach associated with research workstreams, such as rapporteuring, planning, and hosting conferences and workshops
Other administrative tasks as assigned

Qualifications

To be considered for this role, you should fulfil the following criteria at a minimum:

Have an excellent academic track record, including a Master's in a social sciences discipline from a reputable university.
Have strong grounding in quantitative methods and proven ability to handle and analyse large datasets.
Be familiar with statistical and programming software (especially SPSS, Qualtrics, and/or R) and data analysis.

Additionally, you will be favourably considered if you:

Possess strong English language communication skills, with an ability to write in a clear, engaging, coherent, and expedited fashion.
Exhibit keen interest in research pertaining to social issues, sentiments, and policies.
Possess experience in conducting survey fieldwork or other forms of research data collection.
Possess experience working with quantitative data in a research setting.
Demonstrate strong commitment to meeting deadlines and have a track record of producing work that reflects a maturity of thought.
Are highly attentive to detail and committed to data accuracy and quality.
Be independent and initiated

More Information

Location: Bukit Timah Campus

Organization: Institute of Policy Studies

Department : Institute of Policy Studies

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 33984

Req ID: 33984

Apply now

Job details

Title: Research Associate (Social Lab)
Employer: National University of Singapore
Location: Bukit Timah Campus
Published: Aug 11, 2026
Closes:: Oct 10, 2026
Job type: Full time, Staff / Administration
Field: Laboratory and Research

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What are the minimum qualifications required for this Research Associate position?

The role requires a Master's degree in a social sciences discipline from a reputable university, along with a strong foundation in quantitative research methods. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, R, and survey platforms like Qualtrics. Excellent English communication and a track record of handling large datasets are essential. For more on research assistant roles, check our guide on research assistant jobs.

🔬What does the Social Lab at IPS do?

The Social Lab at the Institute of Policy Studies focuses on applied social research, including surveys, focus groups, and experiments on social issues, public sentiments, and policies. The team collects and analyses primary and secondary data to inform policy decisions. Learn about the broader field of research jobs in higher education.

📋Is fieldwork experience necessary?

While not mandatory, candidates with experience in survey fieldwork or other forms of research data collection will be favourably considered. The role involves managing field interviewer briefings, project monitoring, and data quality checks. If you aspire to strengthen your academic CV for such roles, see our article on how to write a winning academic CV.

💻What programming and statistical tools should I be familiar with?

Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS and R is required. Familiarity with survey platforms like Qualtrics and general data analysis tools is also essential. The job involves cleaning, formatting, and analysing large datasets, so strong quantitative skills are a must. For related career paths, view our postdoctoral and research staff openings.

🌍Does this position offer visa sponsorship?

The job posting does not specify visa sponsorship. International applicants should consult the National University of Singapore's hiring policies or contact the Institute directly for clarification. You can explore other international academic opportunities on AcademicJobs.com.