Job Overview

Research Associate (Office of Education Research)[NIE]

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Associate on a 24-month contract (renewable) at the [Centre for Research in Child Development (CRCD), Office of Education Research (OER)].

Project Title: Growth in Bilingual and Biliteracy Development: Environmental, Individual and Experiential Factors (GiBBer) [OER 13/21 OBA]

Project Introduction: This study funded by the Education Research Funding Programme seeks to advance knowledge of child bilingualism, and bilingual/biliteracy development in a diverse multilingual society through the use of research methodologies from cognitive, developmental, educational and early childhood studies. The objectives of this project will be met through four studies that will investigate the environmental, individual and experiential factors involved in bilingual and biliteracy development. The first three studies track the developmental trajectories of bilingual children across three cohorts (from kindergarten to primary grade 4), focusing on English plus a mother tongue language (Mandarin Chinese, Malay, or Tamil). Their language proficiencies will be tracked over two years using locally developed assessment tools that include a range of language and literacy skills. A fourth study will focus on individual differences that can account for observed variability in development. The findings from the project will inform bilingual policy, programmes and practices in Singapore and contribute to the research field of child bilingualism at the international level.

Successful applicants can expect to be involved in coordination of data collection for the longitudinal study involving language assessments in English and a Mother Tongue (Mandarin Chinese, Malay, or Tamil), data processing, and literature review.

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant discipline is preferred (e.g., psychology, linguistics, bilingualism, child development, childhood education)
• Good theoretical knowledge of research design, statistical analysis
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Leadership experience
• Excellent organizational skills and reliably meet deadlines
• Good IT skills (Microsoft office, SPSS or R, and/or programming such as Python)
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Able to work cooperatively in teams

Preferred

• At least 6 years of relevant experience in research and education
• Ability to present research findings through various platforms
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative software programs

• Experience working with children (kindergarten to primary school age)
• Proficiency in English plus either Mandarin, Malay or Tamil

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the project leaders and MOE colleagues to ensure reliable and on-time collection of data
• Coordinate and lead research teams in data collection and processing
• Liaise with stakeholders (schools, families, agencies) to obtain and maintain participation and engagement in the longitudinal studies of the projects
• Conduct literature and database searches
• Other administrative duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator (PI)

Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 28 calendar days from date of posting.

Other Information

NIE staff can take chartered buses at their own expense from or near their homes to the NIE campus. This is subject to availability of seats.

How to Apply!