Research Assistant, EAI

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The East Asian Institute (EAI) at the National University of Singapore is seeking a Research Assistant with expertise in China’s foreign policy and international relations to support policy-relevant research within the Institute’s IR cluster.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team, translating Chinese-language sources, conducting mixed-methods research, drafting policy briefs, and coordinating research projects and events such as conferences and seminars.

Qualifications

• Strong Master’s degree in international relations, political science, China/East Asian studies, public policy, or a related field.
• Proficiency in reading Chinese-language primary and secondary sources and Mandarin is a strong advantage.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills for policy briefs and reports.
• Research skills in qualitative methods; quantitative/data skills are a plus.
• Prior experience in university research centres or think tanks is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mixed-methods research on China’s international relations, including China’s foreign and security policy, US-China relations, and regional policy.
• Monitor, translate, and analyse Chinese-language sources; contribute to literature reviews and case studies; manage datasets, design surveys, and prepare charts/dashboards.
• Draft policy briefs and research papers; contribute to co-authored reports and presentations for academic and policymaker audiences.
• Coordinate research projects and assist in organizing conferences and seminars.

Skills

Chinese language reading

English writing

Qualitative research

Quantitative data skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in international relations or related field

Tools

R

Python

Data Visualization

Job description

Research Assistant, International Relations

University-Level Unit: East Asian Institute

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: East Asian Institute

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Bukit Timah Campus

Posting Start Date: 15/09/2026

The East Asian Institute (EAI) at the National University of Singapore is seeking a highly qualified Research Assistant with expertise in China’s foreign policy and international relations to support policy-relevant research within the Institute’s IR cluster and a multidisciplinary team.

About EAI: Established in 1997, the East Asian Institute (EAI) promotes academic and policy-oriented research on East Asian development. Our work spans contemporary China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), China’s foreign policy and international relations, and China’s economic, technological, and strategic relations with Japan, Korea, ASEAN, and the world. We collaborate with regional and international institutions, convene conferences, and provide insights that inform public policy.

Job Description

Role and Responsibilities

• Conduct mixed-methods research on enduring and emerging topics in China’s international relations, including but not limited to Chinese foreign and security policy, US-China relations, China’s regional policy toward Southeast Asia and the wider Asia Pacific, and China’s relations with other major regions of the world
• Monitor, translate, and analyse Chinese-language primary sources (official statements, media commentary, think-tank output); contribute to literature reviews and case studies; manage and clean datasets, design surveys, and prepare charts and dashboards as needed
• Draft policy briefs and research papers; contribute to co-authored reports and presentations for academic and policymaker audiences
• Play a key coordinating role in managing research projects as well as the organization of conferences and seminars
  

Attributes

• Team player who can work independently and proactively
• Detail-oriented with strong project management, collaboration and stakeholder communication skills
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to research integrity and policy relevance

What We Offer:

• Centreof Excellence: Join a prestigious institute recognized for impactful analysis and research.
• Dynamic Environment: Work in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating setting.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Engage with experts across political science, economics, public policy and sociology.
• Unique Geopolitical Position: Leverage Singapore’s role as a bridge between East and West to amplify research impact on regional security, diplomacy, and the evolving international order in East Asia.

Qualifications

• Strong Master’s degree in international relations, political science, China/East Asian studies, public policy, or a related field
• Strong substantive knowledge of China’s foreign policy and international relations, including familiarity with major theoretical and policy debates in the field
• Proficiency in reading Chinese-language primary and secondary sources (e.g., official statements, media commentary, scholarly writing) is required; the ability to conduct research or interviews in Mandarin is a strong advantage
• Excellent English writing and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into clear, concise policy briefs and reports
• Research skills in qualitative methods (e.g., document and discourse analysis, case studies); quantitative and data skills (e.g., R or Python, data visualization) are a plus
• Prior experience working in university research centres or think tanks is a plus

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Two samples of published work (academic or policy-oriented)

More Information

Location: Bukit Timah Campus

Organization: East Asian Institute

Department : East Asian Institute

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 34432