Research Associate (Office for Research) [NIE] Full-time

Research Associate Position

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Associate on a 24-month contract (renewable) at the Office for Research.

Project Title: Arts for Cultivating Creativity, Emotional and Social outcomes (ACES) Project: Understanding and Optimising the Effects of Arts-based Experiences and Programmes on Creativity and Socio-Emotional Outcomes of Adolescents

Project Introduction: This research programme was conceived to generate empirical insights that can be used to address two key issues that are of critical importance in Singapore: (1) realizing creative potential and (2) promoting mental health, particularly of the youth. To address these issues, the research programme will adopt a multiphase mixed-methods approach to examine how arts-based experiences and programmes can influence the creativity and socio-emotional outcomes of adolescents. Another overarching goal of the research programme is to produce a robust evidence base that can be used as a guide for the development and implementation of other arts-based programmes and optimising the benefits from arts engagement and experiences, as currently practiced.

The research programme comprises four phases and involves eight sub-studies. It aims to investigate how arts-based experiences influence creativity and socio-emotional outcomes in Singapore's adolescents, particularly focusing on long-term effects and impacts on different student profiles including those who are socially at-risk. The main research objectives of the study are to:

• Conduct a literature review on existing studies of effect of arts-based programme on adolescents' creativity and socio-emotional outcomes;
• Understand existing art experiences of adolescents and creative professionals;
• Examine the effects of arts-based programmes on creativity and socio-emotional outcomes of adolescents in Singapore;
• Understand the factors that influence how arts-based programmes can benefit adolescents;
• Examine the relationship between creativity and socio-emotional development
• Translate the design principles of effective arts-based programmes into practice; and
• Facilitate and examine the process of diffusing and translating the design principles of effective arts-based programmes into practice.

Applicants with interest in doing post-graduate studies, honing their skills in conducting advanced data analysis and publishing research papers are invited to apply. This position is renewable.

Requirements:

• Master's Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Education, Psychology, Social Sciences, Neuroscience, Educational Neuroscience, Aesthetic Education); applicants with a Bachelor's degree may be considered for the Research Assistant position
• Proficient in quantitative data processing and advanced statistical analysis using SPSS and MPLUS
• Proficient in using Qualtrics for data collection
• Proficient in academic writing
• Good organizational and documentation skills and able to work within tight deadlines
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in the arts, education and/or educational research
• At least 2 years of experience as a research staff
• A strong team player who is also able to work independently and flexibly in a large team

Preferred:

• Experience in working with teachers and students in Singapore schools
• Appreciation of and/or background in the arts (e.g., music and dance)
• Experience in doing longitudinal data analysis
• With evidence of proficiency in academic writing, such as published journal papers and/or book chapters
• Familiarity with research using electroencephalography (EEG)
• Experience in supporting mixed methods research

Responsibilities:

• Manage data collection and storage
• Conduct literature search, reviews and synthesis
• Conduct data processing and data analysis from intermediate to advanced level (e.g. structural equation modelling and latent profile analysis)
• Contribute to the writing of research papers and reports
• Assist in preparing presentations and other administrative duties
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator

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 14 calendar days from date of posting.