Research Associate (Institute of Policy Studies) ( 34705)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies is seeking a Research Associate to support policy-related research. You will handle literature reviews, data collection and analysis using SPSS, R, or Qualtrics, and help design survey instruments and fieldwork protocols.

You will also contribute to reports, briefings, and presentations for internal and external audiences. Ideal candidates hold a Master’s in social sciences, strong quantitative skills, and experience with large

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a social sciences discipline from a reputable university.
• Strong grounding in quantitative methods and ability to handle large datasets.
• Familiar with SPSS, Qualtrics, and/or R and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Scoping and literature reviews.
• Collecting, cleaning, and analysing data using SPSS/R/Qualtrics.
• Managing research-driven programming and events.
• Preparing documentation for research ethics reviews.
• Drafting interview/focus group questionnaires.
• Designing surveys, sampling strategies, and data collection protocols.
• Overseeing fieldwork administration with a dedicated operations team.
• Engaging stakeholders across workstreams and attending meetings.
• Summarising results and preparing progress reports.
• Writing papers, reports, and presentations for various audiences.
• Presenting findings to internal, stakeholder, and public audiences.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Data analysis

Survey fieldwork

English writing

Education

Master's degree in social sciences

Tools

SPSS

Qualtrics

R

Job description

Research Associate (Institute of Policy Studies) ( 34705)

University-Level Unit: Institute of Policy Studies Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Institute of Policy Studies Employee Category: Research Staff Location: Bukit Timah Campus Posted On: 20/10/2026

Job Description

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is an autonomous research institute within National University of Singapore. IPS conducts research on Singapore public policy and engages actively with policymakers and the public.

Core Responsibilities:

• Scoping and collating literature reviews
• Collecting, cleaning, formatting, and analysing primary/secondary data using statistical software (SPSS / R) and/or survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics)
• Managing and running research-driven programming and events
• Preparing documentation for research ethics board reviews
• Preparing interview/focus group questionnaires
• Assisting in the design of survey instruments and experiments, including sampling strategies, questionnaire development, and data-collection protocols
• Managing some aspects of fieldwork administration including field interviewer briefings, project progress monitoring, and data quality controls, in partnership with a dedicated fieldwork operations team
• Engaging and managing stakeholders across workstreams
• Attending project meetings, briefings, and subject-matter-expertise seminars as necessary
• Summarising project results and preparing progress reports for the PI and funding agencies
• Writing papers, articles, reports, chapters, and preparing presentations for internal, stakeholder, and public consumption
• Presenting findings or analyses for internal, stakeholder, and public consumption as necessary

Ad-hoc Responsibilities:

• Assisting with events and outreach associated with research workstreams, such as rapporteuring, planning, and hosting conferences and workshops
• Other administrative tasks as assigned

Qualifications

• Have an excellent academic track record, including a Master's degree in a social sciences discipline from a reputable university
• Have strong grounding in quantitative methods and proven ability to handle and analyse large datasets
• Familiar with statistical and programming software (especially SPSS, Qualtrics, and/or R) and data analysis)

Additionally, you will be favourably considered if you:

• Possess strong English language communication skills, with an ability to write in a clear, engaging, coherent and well structured research reports, policy briefs and academic outputs
• Exhibit keen interest in research pertaining to social issues, sentiments, and policies
• Possess experience in conducting survey fieldwork or other forms of research data collection
• Possess experience working with quantitative data in a research setting
• Demonstrate strong commitment to meeting deadlines and have a track record of producing work that reflects a maturity of thought
• Are highly attentive to detail and committed to data accuracy and quality
• Be independent and initiated

More Information

Location: Bukit Timah Campus

Organization: Institute of Policy Studies

Department : Institute of Policy Studies

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 34705

Req ID: 34705