Asian Research Institute: National University of Singapore

Abstract

The positions are intended for outstanding active researchers from both the Asian region and the world, to bring to completion an important program of research in the social sciences and humanities.

Interdisciplinary interests are encouraged. Asia as a research field is defined loosely in terms of the region in which Singapore is positioned.
Up to three months of a 12-month fellowship can be spent conducting fieldwork in the Asian region.

A majority of the positions will be allocated to the Institutes current areas of research focus, as listed below. However some will be reserved for outstanding projects in any area. Applicants should mention which category they are applying in or if none, write open category.

Terms and conditions

(Senior) Visiting Fellowships have a normative tenure of one year, though shorter periods may be negotiated. A competitive remuneration and benefits package, depending on seniority, will be provided, with (except in exceptional cases) a ceiling of $10,000 a month.

(Senior) Research Fellowships are intended for areas of particular interest to the Institute, and for scholars with at least three years of post-doctoral experience and a significant research profile. Appointments are for two years, with the possibility of extension for a further two.
The salary ranges are $42,000 to $95,000 per annum (Research Fellow) and $84,000 to $175,000 per annum (Senior Research Fellow).

Postdoctoral Fellowships Candidates must have fulfilled all requirements of the PhD within the last 4 years. The research may be in any field in the humanities and social sciences, extending into legal, commercial and environmental concerns. The salary package is $ 3,500 per month, with a one-time relocation allowance of $2000, and support for fieldwork and conference attendance.

Areas of research focus

1) The changing family (Prof Gavin Jones) focuses onchanging family forms, roles and structures in Asian societies, as other institutions take over some family functions, low fertility, delayed marriage and longevity transform family composition, and labour market realities and changing gender relations affect internal family dynamics.

2) Migration (A/Prof Brenda Yeoh) explores the issues arising from increased levels of human mobility in the region, both within and across national borders. Mobility of high-level professional and managerial personnel, labour migration, both documented and undocumented, and human trafficking all raisetheoretical and methodological questions and major policy issues, as does the role of migration in urban change.

3) Religion and Globalisation (Prof Bryan Turner) explores the changing patterns of religious practice, belief and identity in recent times, particularly in Southeast Asia, China and South Asia. The title implies a particular interest in transnational and diasporic interactions, the engagement with modern technologies and values, and new global or glocal forms of identity.

4) Cultural Studies in Asia (Prof Chua Beng Huat) consciously challenges disciplinary boundaries to address new topics, issues and concerns thrown up by the rapid globalization of contemporary cultures. ARI is interested in new understandings of the everyday life cultural practices of contemporary Asia, as in adaptations of older patterns in literature, and the performing and graphic arts, in rapidly changing contemporary conditions.

5)Southeast Asia China interactions (Prof Anthony Reid) explores both historical and contemporary themes that are bringing East and Southeast Asia closer together, and is interested in any mix of the political, economic, cultural or social.

6) Southeast Asian Archeology ( A/Prof John Miksic) focuses on a problems connected with early historic sites of Southeast Asia. Major topics
include: early trade; urbanization; maritime archaeology; intercommunication between sites; and ceramics as indicators of spheres of cultural and economic interaction.

The Asia Research Institute (ARI) is a university-level institute formed in July 2001 as one of the strategic initiatives of the National University of Singapore (NUS). The mission of the Institute is to provide a world-class focus and resource for research on the Asian region, located at one of its communication hubs. ARI engages the social sciences broadly defined, and especially interdisciplinary frontiers between and beyond disciplines. Through frequent provision of short-term research appointments it seeks to be a place of encounters between the region and the world. Within NUS it works particularly with the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Law and Design, to support research, conferences, lectures, and graduate study at the highest level.

Interested applicants are invited to email/facsimile/mail their curriculum vitae (including details of referees and email), a synopsis of the research project, at least one sample of their published work, and ensure that 2 or 3 referees submit directly to us a report on their academic standing and comment on their research project by 28 February 2005. Send applications and references to the Institute Manager at address below.

Contact Info

The Institute Manager, Asia Research Institute National University of Singapore AS7, Level 4
5 Arts Link
Singapore 117570

Fax: (65) 6779 1428
Email: joinari@nus.edu.sg
Website: http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/appointments.htm