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Research Associate (Policy, Curriculum, and Leadership Department) - Job Opportunity at Nanyang Technological University

Singapore, Singapore
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: July 7, 2025
On-site
SGD 55,000 - 70,000 per year (approximately USD 40,000 - 51,000), which is competitive for research associate positions in Singapore's academic sector, particularly given the specialized nature of educational policy research and the institution's prestigious reputation

Benefits

19-month contract duration providing stable medium-term employment with defined project scope
Opportunity to work within Singapore's premier educational research institution with access to cutting-edge research facilities
Professional development through collaboration with leading academics and external stakeholders
Publication opportunities enhancing academic and professional credentials
Exposure to Singapore's educational policy landscape through direct engagement with school leadership research

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive participant recruitment strategies and execute sophisticated data collection protocols to ensure robust research outcomes that will influence educational policy decisions
Conduct extensive literature reviews and perform advanced qualitative analysis to generate evidence-based insights that shape understanding of educational leadership in Singapore
Manage complex project administration and coordinate multi-stakeholder relationships to ensure seamless research execution and timely deliverables
Develop high-impact research publications and presentation materials that contribute to academic discourse and inform educational policy at national level
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with external educational institutions to facilitate knowledge transfer and research collaboration
Execute specialized research methodologies and project management tasks under Principal Investigator guidance while maintaining research integrity and academic standards

Requirements

Education

Master degree from a reputable institution

Experience

Preferably with experience working on research project and conducting qualitative analysis, including thematic data analysis

Required Skills

Good theoretical knowledge of research designs in general Some experience with interview and elicitation techniques will be useful Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills Excellent organizational skills and able to work within given deadlines Proactive, able to work independently, and a good team player A self-directed learner who effectively picks up relevant skills as needed Familiarity with Singaporean schools, especially with the school leadership context, is welcome
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Educational research is increasingly focusing on leadership effectiveness and decision-making frameworks as schools face complex challenges requiring adaptive leadership rather than compliance-based management There is growing emphasis on understanding cultural and contextual factors in educational leadership, particularly in multicultural societies like Singapore where educational outcomes are globally benchmarked Qualitative research methodologies are gaining prominence in education policy research as stakeholders recognize the limitations of purely quantitative approaches in capturing the complexity of educational leadership beliefs and practices The professionalization of teaching and school leadership is a global trend, with increased focus on evidence-based practice and research-informed decision making in educational contexts

Role Significance

Typically part of a small research team of 3-5 members including the Principal Investigator, research associates, and potentially research assistants, with opportunities for collaboration across departments and with external partners
Mid-level research position with significant autonomy and responsibility for project execution, requiring independent decision-making while working under senior academic supervision, positioning the role as a stepping stone to senior research or academic positions

Key Projects

Large-scale qualitative studies examining educational leadership beliefs and practices across Singapore's school system Policy-oriented research projects that directly inform Ministry of Education decisions and educational reforms Comparative studies of educational leadership models and their effectiveness in different cultural contexts Publication of research findings in high-impact educational journals and presentation at international conferences

Success Factors

Strong qualitative research skills with particular emphasis on interview techniques and thematic analysis, as the role requires deep understanding of educational leaders' beliefs and decision-making processes Cultural sensitivity and understanding of Singapore's educational context, including familiarity with the unique challenges faced by school leaders in a high-performing education system Excellent project management capabilities to handle complex research timelines, multiple stakeholder relationships, and administrative requirements while maintaining research quality Strategic thinking ability to connect research findings to broader policy implications and educational reform initiatives Strong communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders including school leaders, policymakers, and academic colleagues

Market Demand

Moderate to high demand, as educational research positions in Singapore are limited but highly valued, with NIE being the primary teacher education institution in the country, creating strong competition for research roles while offering excellent career development opportunities

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Qualitative research methodology expertise is essential as the role centers on understanding complex beliefs and decision-making processes that cannot be captured through quantitative methods alone, requiring sophisticated interview and analysis techniques Project management capabilities are crucial given the complex nature of educational research involving multiple stakeholders, strict timelines, and coordination between academic and practical requirements Communication skills are vital for engaging with diverse stakeholders from school leaders to policymakers, requiring ability to translate complex research findings into accessible and actionable insights

Beneficial Skills

Knowledge of Singapore's educational context would provide significant advantage in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the local school system, though international candidates with relevant experience would also be competitive Previous experience in educational policy research would enhance ability to connect findings to broader reform initiatives and understand the policy implementation process Familiarity with mixed-methods research approaches would be valuable as educational research increasingly combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide comprehensive insights

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to conduct research directly impacting Singapore's world-renowned education system, with findings likely to influence national policy decisions and educational practices
Access to Singapore's comprehensive school system and educational leadership network, providing unique research opportunities not available in other contexts
Combination of academic research rigor with practical policy applications, offering experience in translating research findings into actionable educational reforms
Working within a specialized research project examining fundamental questions about educational purpose and leadership philosophy, contributing to broader understanding of educational effectiveness

Career Growth

Typically 2-3 years for progression to senior research roles, with academic positions potentially requiring additional doctoral qualifications and 3-5 years of research experience

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Fellow positions within NIE or other prestigious educational research institutions Academic lecturer or assistant professor roles specializing in educational leadership and policy research Policy analyst positions within Singapore's Ministry of Education or similar government agencies Consultant roles with international organizations focusing on educational development and reform

Company Overview

Nanyang Technological University

Nanyang Technological University is one of Singapore's leading research universities and NIE is the country's sole teacher education institution, holding a monopoly on teacher preparation and playing a crucial role in shaping educational policy and practice across Singapore's highly regarded education system

NIE operates as the premier educational research institution in Singapore with significant influence on national education policy and strong international collaborations, providing researchers with access to unique datasets and policy-making processes
NIE serves as a regional hub for educational research and teacher education in Southeast Asia, with strong connections to educational systems across the region and opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange
Academic environment emphasizing research excellence, collaboration, and evidence-based practice, with strong support for professional development and publication opportunities, operating within Singapore's efficient and structured institutional framework
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