Postdoctoral/Research Fellowship at the Asia Research Institute (Ageing and Migration)

About the opportunity

The Asia Research Institute (ARI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral/Research Fellow position to work on a four-year research project funded by the Social Sciences Research Council (SSRC) Singapore under its Thematic Grant programme, titled “Ageing Futures and Resource Environments of Foreign-born Singapore Residents.” The project examines the “resource environments” of foreign-born older adults by looking at formal and informal local and transnational supports, comparing them with local-born older adults. The successful applicant will be hosted in the ARI Migration and Mobilities Cluster, working closely with Professor Elaine Ho and an interdisciplinary team.

Salary and benefits

• All-inclusive, fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 to S$6,500 based on experience, inclusive of housing and living expense stipends.
• Travel assistance provided for successful applicants from overseas.
• Central Provident Fund (CPF) benefits for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
• Support for project-related research fieldwork and conference attendance, subject to approval.

Who can apply?

• Hold a PhD degree (or awaiting conferment) in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities, preferably in Social Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, or Migration Studies.
• Demonstrable evidence of a research interest in the themes of the project.
• Strong qualitative research skills; experience with mixed methods will be an advantage.
• Conversational proficiency in one or more of the following languages central to the research project to carry out fieldwork: Hindi/Tamil/Bengali, Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesian, and Vietnamese.
• Demonstrated potential in developing a publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• High level of competence and flair in written and spoken communication and academic writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and with non-academic stakeholders.

Required documents

• Curriculum vitae
• A cover letter of no more than 800 words explaining past research experience and aptitude in relation to the project
• Transcripts
• One writing sample not exceeding 8,000 words

When to apply

• Application deadline: 14 August 2026
• Expected duties commencement: October 2026, and no later than December 2026
• Interviews for shortlisted applicants: Late August or early September 2026

How to apply

• Combine all required documents (Curriculum vitae, cover letter, transcripts, and writing sample) into 1 PDF file.
• Attach the combined PDF under the CV column when submitting the application.
• Submit the application online via the official NUS careers portal by the specified deadline.

Additional information

• The position is available on a full-time basis for one year in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.
• The successful candidate will primarily conduct qualitative research in Singapore with foreign-born Singapore residents aged 55 years and above originating from different Asian countries.
• Research staff at ARI are expected to actively participate in research activities, including seminars, conferences, and ARI social events.