"Senior Research Fellow in Asia Research Institute (Heritage diplomacy futures in Asia)"

Asia Research Institute

The Asia Research Institute (ARI) of the National University of Singapore (NUS) is seeking an exceptional candidate to work as Senior Research Fellow 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).

Job Description

The successful candidate will help guide the whole project and work within Theme 1. They will conduct work in the following areas:

• Contribute to the overall leadership of the project, working closely with the PI, and mentor junior colleagues.
• Contribute to the conceptualisation of the 3 work packages and assist with project coordination.
• Map and conceptualise the landscape of heritage diplomacy in Southeast Asia, i.e. study organisations and initiatives that cooperate at the regional or bilateral level in the field of cultural heritage.
• Conduct literature reviews and research on the changing forces of heritage cooperation, and how narratives of history are being shaped by new political relations and networks. i.e. BRI and civilizational state politics.
• Engage with and conduct research on regional organisations such as ASEAN, UNESCO etc.
• Engage with external partners in Singapore for data collection and event preparation, including an exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
• Collaborate on team-based publications, publish sole authored articles in leading international journals and write a policy brief on heritage diplomacy in Southeast Asia.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a first-class degree or equivalent, and a PhD in either history, heritage and/or museum studies, diplomacy and international relations, material culture studies, digital humanities, cultural geography, sociology, and be willing to work across disciplines. They will have developed a clear track record of publishing in areas cognate to the themes above. They must also demonstrate experience of team/grant leadership. There will be expectations to travel in Southeast and wider region, although the project will be based in Singapore.

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 supervisor.

ONLY shortlisted applicants will be notified. Shortlisted applicants may be called for interview, either in person or by Skype, as appropriate.

This position will be closed once successful candidate is hired.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Asia Research Institute

Department: Asia Research Institute

Job requisition ID: 31262

Posting Start Date: 17/12/2025

Apply now