Policy Lab Research Assistant: Social Inequality & Fieldwork

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 31,248 - 40,176; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) at the National University of Singapore is seeking a Research Assistant for the Policy Lab to support ongoing studies on community empowerment and low‑income families in Singapore.

You will assist in administering projects, coordinate with partner organisations, conduct qualitative fieldwork and literature reviews, and help disseminate findings through reports and papers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a social science discipline from a reputable university.
• Interest in working with vulnerable populations, lower-income groups and social policy.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods and qualitative analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English and ability to produce clear content.
• Initiative and ability to coordinate and manage projects.
• Commitment to meeting deadlines and mature work.
• Basic quantitative knowledge or experience with vulnerable populations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the administration of ongoing research projects.
• Liaise with partner organisations and recruit/manage undergraduate student researchers.
• Conduct simple surveys and qualitative fieldwork, including interviews and fieldnotes.
• Conduct literature reviews and data analysis; support publication and dissemination of results.
• Present research work to internal and external stakeholders.
• Undertake other administrative duties related to the project, such as coordinating conferences and workshops.

Skills

Qualitative research

Nvivo

Qualtrics

English communication

Project coordination

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in social sciences

Tools

NVivo

Qualtrics

Job description

Job Title: Research Assistant (Institute of Policy Studies) (33734)

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: 14/07/2026

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 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 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
  
  

To Apply

Please upload the following documents via NUS Career Page:

• One-page cover letter (with a brief statement of relevant research experience)
• Curriculum vitae
• Two writing samples (min. 500 words)
  
  

Your cover letter should include details such as your highest qualifications, last drawn salary, expected salary and reasons for leaving your last/current position. Please also state when you expect to be able to begin work, if this position is offered to you.

(We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.)

More Information

Location: Bukit Timah Campus

Organization: Institute of Policy Studies

Department : Institute of Policy Studies

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 33734

Req ID: 33734