Call for Applications: Research Fellow and Assistant on Smart Cities in SEA, Singapore Management University

Description:

Singapore Management University invites applications for two full-time research positions: one at the post-doctoral level (RF), the other at the graduate level (RA). Successful applicants will conduct research connected to the Ministry of Education Tier 2 funded research project, “Technocratic Regionalism in Southeast Asia: The Translational Politics of Smart City

Knowledge Transfer”, led by Dr. Orlando Woods and Professor Lily Kong, and involving close collaboration with Dr. Sarah Moser (McGill University) and Al Lim (Yale University).

The project will explore the development of smart cities in Southeast Asia. It will consider how the transnational flows of capital, ideas, and expertise within the region and beyond give rise to new forms of “technocratic regionalism”, or the technology-driven forms of regional integration and consolidation that are being implemented throughout ASEAN. The project

will involve conducting in-depth qualitative research in Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. As much of the work will be interdisciplinary in scope, candidates with academic backgrounds in human geography, urban studies, or cognate disciplines (such as urban sociology, area studies or anthropology) are encouraged to apply.

Both positions will be based in Singapore, with an intended start date of 1 August 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. Both positions will be tenable for 12 months in the first instance, renewable (for up to another 24 months (total: 36 months) for the RF, 10 months (total: 22 months) for the RA) subject to satisfactory review. Specific details and requirements relating to each position follow.

Position 1: Research Fellow (up to 36 months)

The RF will work closely with the PI to manage and execute the project. The job scope involves:

• Conducting advanced qualitative research (in-depth interviews, ethnography, focus group

discussions, secondary/desk research) in Singapore and either Thailand or Indonesia

• Analysing qualitative data, and working with the PI and Co-I to conceptualise and draft

papers for publication (the RF will be expected to lead the writing of 2-4 of these papers,

depending on length of tenure)

• Presenting the research findings at conferences

• Assisting the PI with the administrative management of the project

• Other ad hoc tasks that will contribute to the success of the project

The successful applicant will ideally have:

• Excellent qualitative research skills

• Excellent written communication skills (demonstrated through published work)

• A demonstrated interest in thematic debates concerning smart cities, platform urbanism,

urban development, urban infrastructure, (Southeast) Asia, and so on

• Ideally experience conducting fieldwork in (Southeast) Asia

• Language skills in Thai or Bahasa Indonesia (useful, but not a pre-requisite)

• A doctorate degree by the date of appointment

Position 2: Research Assistant (up to 22 months)

The RA will work closely with the PI and RF to execute the project. The job scope involves:

• Building and maintaining a database of contacts

• (Snowball) sampling

• Conducting qualitative research amongst public and private sector professionals involved in the smart city-related projects in Singapore

• Transcribing interview data

• Assisting the PI and RF with the administrative management of the project

• Other ad hoc tasks that will contribute to the success of the project

The successful applicant will:

• Have some experience conducting qualitative research in Singapore

• Be organised, detail-oriented and motivated to learn

• A demonstrated interest in issues related to smart cities, platform urbanism, urban

development, urban infrastructure, (Southeast) Asia

• Language skills in Thai or Bahasa Indonesia (useful, but not a pre-requisite)

• An undergraduate (Bachelor’s) or postgraduate (Master’s) degree by the date of appointment

Competitive salary and full benefits will be provided. Review of applications will begin Friday 13 May; only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Each position will remain open until filled. Please note that successful applicants will be asked to provide two letters of recommendation before confirmation of the appointment.

To apply, please send a full CV and an introductory cover email to Orlando Woods: orlandowoods@smu.edu.sg.

Deadline: Rolling until filled.