Research Assistant - Learning Science and Lifelong Education, SCALE (ISP)

Company description:

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore

Job description:

Job Description

The School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE), established in 2016 as the National University of Singapore's (NUS) hub for lifelong learning, is both an academic school and a university-wide platform. As a school, SCALE specialises in multi-disciplinary education transcending conventional domains — bringing together expertise from across NUS' diverse faculties to create integrated learning experiences. Beyond its academic function, SCALE aggregates lifelong learning opportunities from across NUS onto a single platform for alumni, works with industry and government partners to co-create workforce development and transformation programmes, and provides essential central services to catalyse and support lifelong education across the entire university, including grant management, outreach, application management, and guidance in programme innovation and frameworks.

About the Role

SCALE is looking for a sharp, curious Research Assistant to support a programme of research at the intersection of education, learning science, and the future of work. The incumbent shall work closely with the Dean and other NUS faculty members on conceptual papers, op-eds, programme design, and applied studies — turning evidence and ideas into clear, persuasive writing. The incumbent may look forward to close mentorship, exposure to a broad portfolio of research, teaching, and institutional projects, and the opportunity to contribute to work of real intellectual substance and visible impact. This role is suitable for an individual who reads widely, thinks rigorously, and writes engagingly.

This role is offered on a 1-year renewable contract basis, subject to satisfactory job performance and availability of funding.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesise research across education, psychology, and management into clear briefs and frameworks
• Draft, edit, and refine academic papers, conceptual notes, op-eds, and presentation decks to a publication-ready standard
• Support the design and documentation of learning programmes, including the articulation of pedagogical rationale and supporting evidence
• Verify facts, citations, and sources with rigorous attention to detail; accuracy is essential and non-negotiable
• Support data collection and analysis where required
• Be an intellectually engaged collaborator to contribute original ideas and critical insights

Requirements

• A relevant Master's degree, or an outstanding first degree in a social science discipline — education, psychology, management, or a closely related field
• Familiarity with learning science, cognitive psychology or research methods
• Experience with reference management and academic writing conventions
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex sources into clear, well- structured and readable prose.
• Intellectual range and curiosity to confidently work across disciplines
• Strong rigour and conscientiousness, especially in relation to evidence, citations and detail
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines effectively and respond constructively to feedback

Please attach a short cover note (max one page) explaining your interest, and a writing sample of your own work (an essay, paper, or article — published or unpublished).

To expedite application processing, a copy of academic certificates and transcripts from GCE O-level onwards should be uploaded via the online application portal. Salary expectations, if quoted, should be on a 12-month guaranteed basis; do not include variable components like performance bonuses, incentives & allowances.