Principal Research Fellow (Ocean Law and Policy)

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Singapore is seeking a Principal Research Fellow for a three-year term in its Centre for International Law. This role demands a strong background in the law of the sea and related fields, with over six years of postdoctoral experience. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, and engage in significant independent research. Proficiency in English is necessary, and an interest in marine environmental governance is essential. Applications are invited through the NUS Career Portal.

Qualifications

• PhD degree related to the law of the sea or international shipping regulations.
• More than 6 years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Solid international reputation in research.

Responsibilities

• Drive research and training initiatives for CIL’s Oceans Law and Policy Team.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers.
• Conduct independent research and publish findings.

Skills

Research leadership

International law expertise

Marine environmental governance

Understanding of UNCLOS

Proficiency in English

Education

PhD in related fields

Job description

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal

Your application will be processed only if you apply via NUS Career Portal

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The Centre for International Law (CIL) is inviting applications for the position of Principal Research Fellow for a term of three (3) years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. Candidates should possess a PhD in fields related to the law of the sea, international shipping regulation, or oceans law and policy. A minimum of six (6) years of postdoctoral research experience in these areas is essential, along with a strong track record and international recognition in research, as well as demonstrated ability to develop and lead robust research initiatives for CIL’s Oceans Law and Policy Team. Start dates are flexible.

Candidates with a keen interest and expertise in the international regulation of shipping, as well as familiarity with the International Maritime Organization and its interaction with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are encouraged to apply. The CIL Oceans Law and Policy Team is particularly interested in candidates with knowledge and interest in the international legal framework governing shipping with a focus on marine environmental governance, international climate change governance and autonomous ships. Those with relevant working experience in an academic research institute, international organization or government agency are highly valued.

The Principal Research Fellow will be responsible for driving research, events and training and capacity building initiatives for the CIL Oceans Law and Policy Team; supervising and mentoring junior researchers; and taking the lead on administrative responsibilities. The Senior Principal Research Fellow is also expected to conduct independent research and publish in various forums.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD degree related to the law of the sea and/or in international regulations of shipping and/or related fields;
• More than 6 years of postdoctoral research experience in law of the sea, international regulation of shipping and/or oceans law and policy;
• An excellent track record with a solid international reputation in research, with indications of potential for long‑term sustainability;
• Experience in leading or directing research projects or programmes as well as leading a team;
• A consistent record of service with evidence of leadership to the candidate’s university and country, profession, and the international academic community;
• Proficiency in English is required.

Application Procedures

Interested applicants are invited to apply online via the NUS Career Portal with the following documents by 20July 2025

• A cover letter outlining their experience, motivation for wanting to join CIL and any particular research interests;
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae (no more than 3 pages) detailing their educational background and professional experience;
• A research statement (maximum of 3 pages) highlighting key research achievements, citing up to 5 significant publications, creative work or other scholarly contributions, and explaining their significance;
• A complete list of publications;
• Documentation of research impact, such as citation records;
• Evidence of international recognition and research awards;
• Five (5) copies of significant publications;
• Names and contact information of at least three (3) academic referees.

Please be advised that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. For any inquiries, kindly reach out via email to [e-mail].

More Information

About CIL: The Centre for International Law (CIL) was established in 2009 as a university‑level research institute at National University of Singapore (NUS). It is located on the Bukit Timah Campus of NUS, together with the Faculty of Law. As a university‑level research institute, CIL engages in both legal and multi‑disciplinary research on a wide variety of international law issues. Its mission is to enable Singapore and the Asia‑Pacific region to play a more significant role in the promotion and development of international law. CIL’s vision is to become a regional intellectual hub and thought leader for research on and teaching of international law. More on CIL can be found here: https://cil.nus.edu.sg/

About the Oceans Law and Policy Team: Ocean Law & Policy is one of CIL’s core programme areas and was established over 10 years ago. It is headed by Emeritus Professor Robert Beckman and Assistant Professor Dr Tara Davenport. The Members of CIL’s Ocean Law & Policy team currently conduct research on a broad range of cutting‑edge ocean law and policy issues of interest to Singapore, the region and the international community, including maritime security, marine environment, climate change and law of the sea, biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, maritime disputes, technology and the law of the sea, deep seabed mining, fisheries and submarine cables. CIL researchers go on to a variety of positions in government, academia and international organizations. For more information on the OLP’s team’s research activities, please see https://cil.nus.edu.sg/research/ocean-law-policy/.