"Research Fellows in Asia Research Institute (Heritage Diplomacy: connecting histories and futures)"

Asia Research Institute

The Asia Research Institute (ARI) of the National University of Singapore (NUS) is seeking an exceptional candidate to work as Research Fellows under a Singapore Ministry of Education funded multi-disciplinary project titled ‘Heritage Diplomacy: connecting histories and futures’ directed by Prof Tim Winter (PI) and Assoc Prof Sher Banu (Co-Pi), Assoc Prof Maitrii Aung Thwin (Co-PI), Assoc Prof Hamzah Muzaini (Co-PI).

The project has three research themes:

1. Heritage diplomacy futures in Asia, (cultural heritage as a domain of cooperation and collaboration, representation and relationship building);
2. Material culture histories of diplomacy in Asia, (the material cultures associated with gifting in Asia, focusing in particular on diplomatic settings); and
3. Digital heritage: display, debate, and immersion (developing insights about digital heritage, primarily in relation to Metaverse technologies).

Fixed term contract for two years from date of hire, with possibility of two-year extension based on performance: Digital heritage Futures: the metaverse in Asia.

Job Description

The successful candidate will work within Theme 2 or 3, and conduct work in the following areas:

Theme 2

• Conduct literature review and produce a working paper on histories of diplomatic gifts and gifting in and beyond Asia.
• Produce ‘object biography’ texts for the Asian Civilisations Museum in preparation for a public exhibition.
• Conduct meetings and interviews with foreign embassy missions in Singapore, to establish the viability of obtaining objects and artworks for an exhibition.
• Plan academic workshops and other events.
• Collaborate on team-based publications and publish sole authored articles in leading international journals.

Theme 3

• Conduct a literature review on key trends in digital heritage applications, in relation to conservation, interpretation, museum practice, intangible heritage and the GLAM sector.
• Survey recent digital heritage diplomacy projects. Identify successful international collaborations in Asia on digital heritage thinking that create new knowledge practices for heritage.
• Pursue more critical perspectives towards questions of representation, sovereignty, intellectual property rights, cultural appropriation, techno-colonialities etc. in relation to new digital heritage technologies.
• Plan academic workshops and other events.
• Engage with external partners for data collection and event preparation, including an exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
• Collaborate on team-based publications and publish sole authored articles in leading international journals.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in either history, heritage and/or museum studies, material culture studies, digital humanities, cultural geography, sociology, and be willing to work across disciplines. There may be some travel involved to Southeast and East Asia, although the project will be based in Singapore.

The successful applicant will receive an attractive monthly remuneration depending on experience and qualifications. Singapore citizens and permanent residents are eligible for central provident fund benefits.

Application Procedure

To apply for this position, please combine the following documents in 1 PDF and attach it under the CV column when submitting your application:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV);
2. Academic transcript;
3. Cover Letter of no more than 800 words, explaining your past research experience and aptitude in relation to the research project; and
4. Name and email addresses of three referees whom we may contact, one of whom should be your PhD superv

Apply now