8/9/10

Asia Research Institute-National University of Singapore Fellowships available

(Senior) Research Fellowships, One-Year Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowships and Postdoctoral Fellowships

The positions are intended for outstanding active researchers from around the world, to work on an important piece of research in the social sciences and humanities. Interdisciplinary interests are encouraged. Up to three months of a 12-month fellowship may be spent conducting fieldwork in the Asian region.

A majority of the positions will be allocated to the more specific areas listed below. However some will be reserved for outstanding projects in any area outside of those listed. Applicants should mention which category they are applying to or if none, indicate “open category”. Applications which link more than one field are also welcome.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

(Senior) Research Fellowships

1. The appointment will be tenable for a period of two years at the first instance, with the possibility of extension for another term of two years (ie. up to a total of a four-year term). Interested applicants should have at least a PhD with a few years of postdoctoral research experience.
2. The fellowship comes with a competitive remuneration and benefits package, depending on seniority.
3. Support for research and fieldwork, and conference attendance (on application and subject to approval).

One-Year Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowship

1. The appointment will have a normative tenure of one year, though shorter periods may be negotiated. Interested applicants should have at least a PhD with a few years of postdoctoral research experience.
2. The fellowship comes with a competitive remuneration and benefits package depending on seniority.


Postdoctoral Fellowships

1. Contract is tenable for a period of one year in the first instance with a possibility of extension to two years.
2. An all-inclusive and fixed monthly salary will be provided.
3. Support for research and fieldwork, and conference attendance (on application and subject to approval).
4. Candidates must have fulfilled all requirements of the PhD within the last 2 years. If you are a PhD candidate at the point of application, you may also apply provided that you are confirmed for graduation between April to September 2011. A letter from your university will be required to confirm your graduation before your proposed start date.

The benefits that the University provides and other information about working in NUS and living in Singapore are available at http://www.nus.edu.sg/careers/potentialhires/index.html. Terms and conditions, according to university guidelines, are subject to changes without prior notice.


AREAS OF RESEARCH FOCUS

1) The Asian Migration cluster 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, unskilled labour migration (both documented and undocumented), and human trafficking all raise methodological and theoretical questions and major policy issues, as does the role of migration in urban change.

2) The Changing Family in Asia cluster explores the dimensions of family change in the region, their causes and implications. These dimensions include rising ages at marriage and decreasing non-marriage, declining fertility and declining size of the nuclear family, increase in one-person households and alternative family forms, changing gender roles within families, and changes in family structures consequent on population ageing. These have implications for gender relations, the life patterns of the post-adolescent unmarried, the role of the elderly in the family, child-raising patterns and social policy.

3) The Cultural Studies in Asia is an emerging field of academic research in Asia which is challenging conventional disciplinary boundaries to rethink received knowledge on existing issues and/or to address new topics and concerns thrown up by the rapid changes and impact on cultural practices, brought about by new technologies and the new phase of global capitalism. Focusing on popular cultural practices in contemporary Asia, practitioners in Cultural Studies have re-examined these practices from new angles engendered by multidisciplinary perspectives. They have questioned the very idea of Asia and its current reconfiguration in view of the intense traffic of cultural products and cultural practices, crisscrossing national and cultural boundaries within the continent and beyond.

4) The Religion and Globalisation cluster is dedicated to exploring global reconfigurations of conceptions of “religion” and their diverse manifestations in Asian contexts. Particular attention is given here to the dynamic interactions of secularization and religious revival in the modern period, as well as to related issues of the invocation of authority and tradition in contemporary discourse and practice. In terms of coverage, the cluster works to facilitate studies of significant developments in major established religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, as well as localised indigenous traditions and new religious movements from any part of Asia, broadly conceived.

5) The Science, Technology, and Society cluster explores techno-scientific institutions, practices, and knowledge-making regimes within Asian societies and cultures. The newest of the ARI research clusters, and thus still building critical mass, we are particularly interested in topics relating to biotechnology/bioscience/ biomedicine and society; interactive and digital media; Asian techno-scientific cultures; interactions between Asian sites or projects and those elsewhere, and science & technology policy. By "Asia" we mean South, East, and Southeast Asia, but are particularly interested in projects with the potential to cross these sub-regional boundaries. Methodologically we are open to a range of approaches, including historical, sociological, anthropological, geographical, and media or cultural studies based initiatives.

6) The Asian Urbanisms cluster provides space for exploration of Asia’s urban diversity. Emerging urban forms, phenomena and experiences within ARI’s areal scope demand empirical documentation and analysis. The cluster also takes regional urban diversity as a resource for wider theorization. The theoretical orientation of the cluster is towards work which: (1)speaks in transformative ways to urban studies debates beyond Asian area studies; and (2)resists the ingrained impulse to refer back to antecedents in North America or western Europe. The cluster is particularly interested in forms of relational, comparative research which de-centre the West as the supposed leading edge of urban transition, innovation and influence. Avenues for such work include (but not limited to): intra-Asian city models and emulation; sustainability and urban lifestyles; natural disasters, conflict and urban resilience; cultures of urban heritage; and religion-related urbanisms.

7) The Open Category. ARI also keeps its doors open to talented people with
exciting ideas and worthwhile projects whose interests may not immediately fit one of the categories. Applications are welcome from across the whole spectrum of the humanities and social sciences, and especially for projects that are innovative and interdisciplinary.



Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowship Appointments - ARI Sabbatical Leave Scheme

The positions are intended for researchers whose work focus on Asia and would like to devote the sabbatical term from their home institutions to conducting work in ARI, NUS. Interested applicants should have at least a PhD with a few years of postdoctoral research experience. Applicants are invited to indicate which of the ARI clusters they would like to be affiliated with (see information about clusters below). Interdisciplinary interests are encouraged. The position is essentially a writing fellowship, and at least one published outcome is expected. Applicants who do not normally publish in English will be encouraged and assisted to do so.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

As the Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowships under ARI Sabbatical Leave Scheme are intended mainly for researchers who are in active employment of their home institutions, applicants are expected to self-financed. Medical coverage will be provided and travel assistance may be provided where necessary. The benefits that the University provides and other information about working in NUS and living in Singapore are available at http://www.nus.edu.sg/careers/potentialhires/index.html. Terms and conditions, according to university guidelines, are subject to changes without prior notice.


AREAS OF RESEARCH FOCUS

1) The Asian Migration cluster 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, unskilled labour migration (both documented and undocumented), and human trafficking all raise methodological and theoretical questions and major policy issues, as does the role of migration in urban change.

2) The Changing Family in Asia cluster explores the dimensions of family change in the region, their causes and implications. These dimensions include rising ages at marriage and decreasing non-marriage, declining fertility and declining size of the nuclear family, increase in one-person households and alternative family forms, changing gender roles within families, and changes in family structures consequent on population ageing. These have implications for gender relations, the life patterns of the post-adolescent unmarried, the role of the elderly in the family, child-raising patterns and social policy.

3) The Cultural Studies in Asia is an emerging field of academic research in Asia which is challenging conventional disciplinary boundaries to rethink received knowledge on existing issues and/or to address new topics and concerns thrown up by the rapid changes and impact on cultural practices, brought about by new technologies and the new phase of global capitalism. Focusing on popular cultural practices in contemporary Asia, practitioners in Cultural Studies have re-examined these practices from new angles engendered by multidisciplinary perspectives. They have questioned the very idea of Asia and its current reconfiguration in view of the intense traffic of cultural products and cultural practices, crisscrossing national and cultural boundaries within the continent and beyond.

4) The Religion and Globalisation cluster is dedicated to exploring global reconfigurations of conceptions of “religion” and their diverse manifestations in Asian contexts. Particular attention is given here to the dynamic interactions of secularization and religious revival in the modern period, as well as to related issues of the invocation of authority and tradition in contemporary discourse and practice. In terms of coverage, the cluster works to facilitate studies of significant developments in major established religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, as well as localised indigenous traditions and new religious movements from any part of Asia, broadly conceived.

5) The Science, Technology, and Society cluster explores techno-scientific institutions, practices, and knowledge-making regimes within Asian societies and cultures. The newest of the ARI research clusters, and thus still building critical mass, we are particularly interested in topics relating to biotechnology/bioscience/ biomedicine and society; interactive and digital media; Asian techno-scientific cultures; interactions between Asian sites or projects and those elsewhere, and science & technology policy. By "Asia" we mean South, East, and Southeast Asia, but are particularly interested in projects with the potential to cross these sub-regional boundaries. Methodologically we are open to a range of approaches, including historical, sociological, anthropological, geographical, and media or cultural studies based initiatives.

6) The Asian Urbanisms cluster provides space for exploration of Asia’s urban diversity. Emerging urban forms, phenomena and experiences within ARI’s areal scope demand empirical documentation and analysis. The cluster also takes regional urban diversity as a resource for wider theorization. The theoretical orientation of the cluster is towards work which: (1)speaks in transformative ways to urban studies debates beyond Asian area studies; and (2)resists the ingrained impulse to refer back to antecedents in North America or western Europe. The cluster is particularly interested in forms of relational, comparative research which de-centre the West as the supposed leading edge of urban transition, innovation and influence. Avenues for such work include (but not limited to): intra-Asian city models and emulation; sustainability and urban lifestyles; natural disasters, conflict and urban resilience; cultures of urban heritage; and religion-related urbanisms.

7) The Open Category. ARI also keeps its doors open to talented people with
exciting ideas and worthwhile projects whose interests may not immediately fit one of the categories. Applications are welcome from across the whole spectrum of the humanities and social sciences, and especially for projects that are innovative and interdisciplinary.

3-Month Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowship Appointments

The positions are intended for outstanding researchers whose work focus on Asia, with a balance anticipated between senior and junior scholars. Interested applicants should have at least a PhD with a few years of postdoctoral research experience. Applicants are invited to indicate which of the ARI clusters they would like to be affiliated with (see information about clusters below). Interdisciplinary interests are encouraged. The position is essentially a writing fellowship, and at least one published outcome is expected. Applicants who do not normally publish in English will be encouraged and assisted to do so.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowships: This 3-month fellowship comes with a competitive remuneration and benefits package, depending on seniority. The benefits that the University provides and other information about working in NUS and living in Singapore are available at http://www.nus.edu.sg/careers/potentialhires/index.html. Terms and conditions, according to university guidelines, are subject to changes without prior notice.

AREAS OF RESEARCH FOCUS

1) The Asian Migration cluster 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, unskilled labour migration (both documented and undocumented), and human trafficking all raise methodological and theoretical questions and major policy issues, as does the role of migration in urban change.

2) The Changing Family in Asia cluster explores the dimensions of family change in the region, their causes and implications. These dimensions include rising ages at marriage and decreasing non-marriage, declining fertility and declining size of the nuclear family, increase in one-person households and alternative family forms, changing gender roles within families, and changes in family structures consequent on population ageing. These have implications for gender relations, the life patterns of the post-adolescent unmarried, the role of the elderly in the family, child-raising patterns and social policy.

3) The Cultural Studies in Asia is an emerging field of academic research in Asia which is challenging conventional disciplinary boundaries to rethink received knowledge on existing issues and/or to address new topics and concerns thrown up by the rapid changes and impact on cultural practices, brought about by new technologies and the new phase of global capitalism. Focusing on popular cultural practices in contemporary Asia, practitioners in Cultural Studies have re-examined these practices from new angles engendered by multidisciplinary perspectives. They have questioned the very idea of Asia and its current reconfiguration in view of the intense traffic of cultural products and cultural practices, crisscrossing national and cultural boundaries within the continent and beyond.

4) The Religion and Globalisation cluster is dedicated to exploring global reconfigurations of conceptions of “religion” and their diverse manifestations in Asian contexts. Particular attention is given here to the dynamic interactions of secularization and religious revival in the modern period, as well as to related issues of the invocation of authority and tradition in contemporary discourse and practice. In terms of coverage, the cluster works to facilitate studies of significant developments in major established religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, as well as localised indigenous traditions and new religious movements from any part of Asia, broadly conceived.

5) The Science, Technology, and Society cluster explores techno-scientific institutions, practices, and knowledge-making regimes within Asian societies and cultures. The newest of the ARI research clusters, and thus still building critical mass, we are particularly interested in topics relating to biotechnology/bioscience/ biomedicine and society; interactive and digital media; Asian techno-scientific cultures; interactions between Asian sites or projects and those elsewhere, and science & technology policy. By "Asia" we mean South, East, and Southeast Asia, but are particularly interested in projects with the potential to cross these sub-regional boundaries. Methodologically we are open to a range of approaches, including historical, sociological, anthropological, geographical, and media or cultural studies based initiatives.

6) The Asian Urbanisms cluster provides space for exploration of Asia’s urban diversity. Emerging urban forms, phenomena and experiences within ARI’s areal scope demand empirical documentation and analysis. The cluster also takes regional urban diversity as a resource for wider theorization. The theoretical orientation of the cluster is towards work which: (1)speaks in transformative ways to urban studies debates beyond Asian area studies; and (2)resists the ingrained impulse to refer back to antecedents in North America or western Europe. The cluster is particularly interested in forms of relational, comparative research which de-centre the West as the supposed leading edge of urban transition, innovation and influence. Avenues for such work include (but not limited to): intra-Asian city models and emulation; sustainability and urban lifestyles; natural disasters, conflict and urban resilience; cultures of urban heritage; and religion-related urbanisms.

7) The Open Category. ARI also keeps its doors open to talented people with exciting ideas and worthwhile projects whose interests may not immediately fit one of the categories. Applications are welcome from across the whole spectrum of the humanities and social sciences, and especially for projects that are innovative and interdisciplinary.


ABOUT THE ASIA RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ARI)

The Asia Research Institute (ARI) was established as a university-level institute in July 2001 as one of the strategic initiatives of the National University of Singapore (NUS). Its mission 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 humanities and social sciences broadly defined, and especially interdisciplinary frontiers between and beyond disciplines.

INVITATION TO APPLY

Interested applicants are invited to email/post their applications, consisting of:

i) Application form

ii) Curriculum Vitae;

iii) Synopsis of the proposed research project (no restriction on the number of pages);

iv) At least one sample of published work;

v) Ensure that a minimum of two letters of reference are sent to us in confidence via email or post reporting on the applicant’s academic standing and on the applicant’s research project by 30 September 2010.

Closing date for applications is 30 September.

To note for applications via email:

1. You will receive an auto-reply acknowledging receipt of your email/application.

2. If you have already sent in your application via email, kindly do not send the same application via post and vice versa. However, if you wish to send in hard copies of your sample publication(s) you may do so via post but indicate in your email application that the sample publication(s) will be sent via post. Should you wish for your sample publication(s) to be returned, kindly indicate this on the sample(s) and write your name and full correspondence address on it/them.

3. Please keep your email and attachments below 10MB by zipping any large files as emails larger than 10MB will be rejected by our email system.

We regret that only successful candidates will be notified (via email). Candidates who do not hear from the University within 10 weeks after closing date of the advertisement may assume the position has been filled.

Address for submission of applications, reference letters and/or queries:
(1) Email: joinari@nus.edu.sg

OR

(2) Human Resources
c/o Ms Chong Mei Peen
Asia Research Institute
National University of Singapore
469A Tower Block,
Bukit Timah Road #10-01,
Singapore 259770

Moreinfo: http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/appointments.htm

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