Job Title: Research Assistant (Institute of Policy Studies) (33485)

University-Level Unit: Institute of Policy Studies

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Institute of Policy Studies

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Bukit Timah Campus

Posting Start Date: 23/06/2026

Job Description

IPS is looking to hire a Research Assistant for the Policy Lab to work on on-going research studies in the areas of homelessness, community empowerment, and lower-income families in Singapore. The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to acquire critical research skills, gain field experience and knowledge working with vulnerable populations and benefit from exposure to intellectual exchange and networking.

The Job Scope Includes

Assisting in the administration of on-going research projects
Liaising with partner organisations and recruitment, management of undergraduate student researchers
Conducting simple surveys and qualitative research fieldwork, including participant observations, writing fieldnotes, and in-depth interviews
Conducting literature reviews, data analysis, and supporting the publication and dissemination of results and findings in research reports, conference papers, academic journals, opinion editorials and book manuscripts
Presenting research work to internal and external stakeholders
Undertaking other administrative duties related to the research project, such as facilitate research conferences, workshops, closed-door discussions

Qualifications

Have keen interest in working with vulnerable populations, lower-income groups, social inequality, and social policy
Have familiarity with qualitative research methods, qualitative analysis and data analytical tools such as Nvivo and Qualtrics
Have strong English communication, with an ability to write in a clear and engaging manner
Have initiative and demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage projects
Demonstrate commitment to meeting deadlines and have a track record of producing work that reflects a maturity of thought
Have at least a Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a relevant social science discipline from a reputable university
Preferably have basic quantitative research knowledge and previous work or volunteering experience with the vulnerable populations or lower-income groups

What You Can Expect From The Job

At IPS Policy Lab, we find meaningful alternative solutions by constructively questioning the status quo. We do this by conducting policy experiments for impactful outcomes, convening the 3P (public, private, people) for collaborative knowledge creation, and co-creating knowledge and ideas to strengthen policymaking in Singapore.

The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to work in a research team which examines social and policy issues affecting vulnerable groups and lower-income households in Singapore. The Research Assistant will be working in a team committed to ensuring high quality data collection and fieldwork management. In addition, the Research Assistant will also have opportunities to co-author articles and research papers with other members of the research team.

This job will provide excellent grounding for individual who is seeking to develop a career in the fields of public policy or social science research whether in academia, the public service or the private sector.

To Apply

Please upload the following documents via NUS Career Page:

One-page cover letter (with a brief statement of relevant research experience)
Curriculum vitae
Two writing samples (min. 500 words)

Your cover letter should include details such as your highest qualifications, last drawn salary, expected salary and reasons for leaving your last/current position. Please also state when you expect to be able to begin work, if this position is offered to you.

(We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.)

More Information

Location: Bukit Timah Campus

Organization: Institute of Policy Studies

Department : Institute of Policy Studies

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 33485

Req ID: 33485