The Asia Research Institute (ARI) at the National University of Singapore is inviting applications from ambitious scholars for Postdoctoral and Research Fellowship positions within its Asian Urbanisms Cluster.
The positions are designed for researchers conducting high-quality research in the humanities or social sciences, particularly work addressing urban issues and challenges in Asia.
The current recruitment round focuses on scholars researching the social and spatial justice dimensions of urban development.
International candidates are welcome to apply. Appointment is conditional on approval by NUS and the Singapore Ministry of Manpower granting an Employment Pass or another applicable work pass
- Employer: National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Institute: Asia Research Institute (ARI)
- Position: Postdoctoral / Research Fellow – Asian Urbanisms Cluster
- Location: Kent Ridge Campus, Singapore
- Employment Type: Full-time, 2-year appointment
- Salary: S$6,000/month (Postdoctoral) or S$6,250+/month (Research Fellowship)
- Education: PhD
- Work Pass: Employment Pass or other applicable work pass
- Job Reference: Req ID 34220
- Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Research Focus
The Asian Urbanisms Cluster supports research addressing urban questions and challenges across Asia, including comparative research involving other world regions.
Applicants are particularly encouraged to demonstrate research interests related to:
- Social justice in urban development.
- Spatial justice.
- Asian urbanism.
- Urban theory.
- Urban development and transformation.
- Critical social science and humanities research.
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Candidates with experience working with external funding agencies and developing competitive research grant applications are particularly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Successful researchers will:
- Conduct independent research related to the Asian Urbanisms Cluster.
- Develop high-quality research for publication.
- Participate in ARI research projects.
- Organise workshops and academic conferences.
- Develop new research initiatives.
- Contribute to competitive research grant applications.
- Participate actively in seminars, conferences and institute activities.
- Undertake administrative and committee responsibilities as assigned.
- Collaborate with other researchers within the institute.
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A PhD from a reputable university.
- An established publication record.
- International scholarly visibility in their field or area of research.
- A demonstrated track record of academic publication.
- A clear research and publication plan for the two-year appointment.
PhD Candidates: Current PhD candidates may also apply if they are confirmed to graduate before their commencement date at ARI. Applicants in this category will need an official letter from their university’s Registrar’s Office confirming the award of their PhD.
Research Fellowship: Candidates with more than two years of post-PhD research experience may be considered for the Research Fellowship. Research Fellowship applicants should have a publication record appropriate to their post-PhD experience and demonstrate research plans that extend beyond their doctoral work.
Salary and Appointment
The appointment will be for two years.
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: S$6,000 per month. The amount is inclusive of stipends for housing and living expenses.
- Research Fellowship: $6,250+ per month. The amount is inclusive of stipends for housing and living expenses.
The university notes that housing will not be provided, and successful candidates will need to arrange private accommodation.
Additional Benefits and Support
Eligible researchers may receive:
- Travel assistance.
- Support for research fieldwork.
- Support for conference attendance, subject to application and approval.
- Provident fund benefits for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
Salary and benefits are subject to Singapore taxation and applicable university policies.
Work Pass for International Applicants
International candidates may apply for these positions.
Any appointment offer is conditional upon approval by NUS and the Singapore Ministry of Manpower, including the granting of an Employment Pass or another applicable work pass.
Candidates should ensure that they meet the relevant Singapore employment and immigration requirements before accepting an offer.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit one combined PDF containing:
- Curriculum Vitae – maximum 3 single-spaced pages.
- Research proposal/synopsis – maximum 2 single-spaced pages.
- At least one short sample of published work, preferably in English.
- Names and contact details of at least two referees.
The research synopsis should explain:
- How the proposed research relates to the applicant’s previous or doctoral research.
- How the research contributes to the relevant ARI research cluster.
- Planned publications during the two-year appointment.
All documents must be submitted through the university’s online application system.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should submit their complete application through the official recruitment platform before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Disclaimer: OpportunityShape shares international employment and research opportunities that may provide a pathway to work abroad. We are not the employer or recruitment agency for this position.
The advertised position is subject to NUS approval and the Singapore Ministry of Manpower granting an Employment Pass or other applicable work pass. Applicants should verify the latest salary, eligibility, immigration requirements and employment conditions directly with the National University of Singapore before making relocation or financial commitments.
