Research Associate (1-year contract), SIDRA, YPHSL

Singapore Management University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Management University invites applications for a research-focused role with SIDRA, within YPHSL. The position involves analyzing international dispute resolution standards, with emphasis on developments in China and the Asia-Pacific, and designing empirical studies.

You will articulate findings in high-quality publications and help organise events, trainings and workshops, while liaising with industry leaders and supervising interns.

Qualifications

• Proven writing ability; journal publication is a plus.
• Advanced legal research skills; familiarity with major databases.
• Detail-oriented; passion for quality.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills with academic, government, legal profession and private sector stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research into industry standards, practices, and developments in international dispute resolution with focus on China and Asia‑Pacific.
• Design and implement empirical research projects (surveys, interviews and data analysis).
• Articulate findings and analysis; produce high-quality academic and non-academic publications and products, including events, trainings and workshops.
• Liaise with industry leaders and partner/counterpart organisations.
• Lead and/or assist with editing, formatting, cite-checking, and revision processes.
• Oversee short-term interns or student research assistants.
• Liaise with Centre Manager to draw up event budgets, execute vendor agreements, and ensure SOP compliance.
• Other administrative or operational duties as necessary.

Skills

Legal research

Academic writing

Interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law

Job description

Responsibilities

• This position is for Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA), Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL).
• Conduct research into industry standards, practices, and developments in the field of international dispute resolution processes and policies, with a particular focus on developments in China and the Asia-Pacific region.
• Design and implement empirical research projects, including surveys, interviews and data analysis.
• Articulate findings and analysis, and produce highest-quality academic and non-academic publications and products, including organizing and participating in events, trainings and workshops.
• Liaise with industry leaders and experts and partner/counterpart organisations.
• Lead and/or assist with editing, formatting, cite-checking, and revision processes.
• Oversee short-term interns or student research assistants.
• Liaise with Centre Manager to draw up necessary event budgets, execute vendor agreements, and ensure standard operating procedure compliance.
• Other administrative or operational duties as necessary.

Qualifications

• Academic Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Law or a relevant social science discipline. Background in international dispute resolution, mediation, trade law, investment law, comparative law or Asian studies is a plus.
• Essential Requirements:
• Passion or interest for the international dispute resolution field.
• Proven writing ability of the highest calibre; journal publication is a plus.
• Advanced legal research skills, familiarity with major databases.
• Detail-oriented; passionate about quality.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills with academic, government, legal profession and private sector stakeholders.
• Great attitude and open-minded.
• Comfortable working occasional odd hours.
• Desirable Requirements
• Post-doctorate, or post-graduate degree (LLM or JD) in law
• This role supports China-focused empirical research on international dispute resolution. Proficiency in Mandarin would be an advantage to facilitate the review of Chinese-language materials and engagement with Mandarin-speaking stakeholders where required.
• Team player and problem-solver with a can-do attitude; ability to multi-task efficiently; comfortable taking initiative and working with minimal oversight.