Social Issues Researcher

Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Singapore is seeking a candidate for a hybrid role combining social policy research and technology. The position involves managing data flows, developing digital tools, and conducting rigorous research on Singapore's social issues. Ideal candidates possess a strong grounding in quantitative methods and are familiar with data analysis tools like SPSS and R. The role offers opportunities to work with diverse policy projects and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to handle and analyse large datasets.
• Familiar with tools like SPSS, R, or Qualtrics.
• Interest in Singapore’s social issues and policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and data analysis.
• Develop internal digital tools and dashboards.
• Prepare documentation for research ethics reviews.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Strong English writing

Data analysis tools (SPSS, R)

Interest in Singapore's social issues

Learning technology systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in social sciences

Tools

SPSS

R

Qualtrics

Notion

Job description

IPS’ Social Lab is seeking ONE (1) hire for a unique hybrid role that combines social policy research with technology, systems integration, and strategic operations. This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy rigorous research work and also have an interest in building internal digital tools, managing data flows, and supporting organisational planning through technology‑enabled solutions.

While researchers at Social Lab traditionally focus on policy‑oriented research, this role will involve approximately half research and half technology/data integration work.

Core Responsibilities

Research Responsibilities (approx. 50%)

• Scoping and conducting literature reviews
• Collecting, cleaning, formatting, and analysing primary/secondary data using SPSS and/or R
• Preparing documentation for research ethics board reviews
• Developing interview/focus group guides
• Supporting the design of survey instruments and experiments, including sampling strategies and questionnaire development
• Coordinating fieldwork administration in partnership with the field operations team, including interviewer briefings, project monitoring, and quality assurance
• Managing stakeholders across workstreams
• Preparing project summaries, interim analyses, and progress reports for PIs and funders
• Writing papers, reports, chapters, and presentations for internal and external consumption
• Presenting research insights to internal and stakeholder audiences where relevant

Technology, Data Integration & Internal Systems (approx. 50%)

• Developing and administering Notion‑based dashboards for project management, staffing allocation, performance tracking, and organisational planning
• Building data pipelines that integrate multiple data sources (e.g., survey data, operational metrics, HR/project information) into coherent, navigable systems
• Designing command‑and‑control dashboards for strategic oversight of ongoing research projects, timelines, and resource deployment
• Supporting the development of templates, workflows, and standard operating processes for greater organisational efficiency
• Ensuring database accuracy, metadata consistency, and good data hygiene across internal systems
• Assisting with process digitisation efforts, including automations, data visualisation modules, and structured knowledge repositories
• Working closely with leadership, senior researchers and stakeholders to translate research, operational, and strategic needs into usable digital tools
• Helping shape Social Lab’s longer‑term strategy for digital transformation and data‑enabled decision‑making

Ad‑hoc Responsibilities

• Supporting events and outreach associated with research programmes, including rapporteuring, event planning, and workshop support
• Other administrative or operations‑related tasks as assigned

To be considered

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree (for entry Research Assistantship levels) or Master’s degree (for Research Associate levels) in a social sciences discipline
• Demonstrate a strong grounding in quantitative methods, with proven ability to handle and analyse large datasets
• Be familiar with SPSS, R, Qualtrics, and/or equivalent data analysis tools
• Have strong English writing abilities, with clarity, coherence, and conciseness
• Have a keen interest in research on Singapore’s social issues, sentiments, and policies
• Show willingness and aptitude to learn and apply technology systems, especially Notion

Desirable / Advantageous Criteria

• Experience building systems, dashboards, or workflows on Notion or similar platforms
• Demonstrate aptitude for process design, digitisation, knowledge management, project management, or data integration
• Possess strong commitment to deadlines and high‑quality output
• Be attentive to detail and committed to data accuracy
• Can work independently, is resourceful, and highly initiated
• Are familiar with IPS outputs such as Working Papers, commentaries, and presentations
• Have experience with quantitative or qualitative research methodologies
• Have experience administering surveys via Qualtrics or similar platforms
• Possess proficiency in a second language (Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil)
• Have prior experience in a research or research‑operations role

What You Can Expect

• A role that blends rigorous research with technology‑enabled operations, ideal for someone who wants both intellectual depth and hands‑on systems‑building experience
• Opportunities to work across diverse policy‑relevant projects with various public‑sector agencies
• Exposure to government stakeholders, community partners, and the media
• A collaborative work environment that encourages methodological innovation and applied problem‑solving
• Opportunities to present analyses internally and externally
• Access to IPS and LKYSPP’s academic and policy networks
• Development of transferable skills in research design, statistical analysis, data integration, digital systems administration, and strategic operations
• Strong preparation for careers in public policy, research, consulting, or data/operations management

Application Process

• Apply via LinkedIn with an updated CV/resume. A short paragraph on your interest is appreciated.
• Shortlisted candidates can expect: an initial phone/Zoom interview, an invitation to submit writing samples, a personality diagnostics and/or skills assessment, and a final panel interview.
• The full process typically takes six to eight weeks.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Research Services, Higher Education, and Public Policy Offices