Education Research Scientist

Overview

The National Institute of Education (NIE) is among the world’s top education institutes, recognised for its excellence in teacher education and educational research. NIE has played a key and pivotal role in shaping and developing Singapore’s teaching profession and landscape through evidence-informed, practice-focused and values-based programmes and initiatives.

An autonomous institute situated within the research-intensive Nanyang Technological University, NIE is consistently ranked within the top 15 in the world for research impact in the field of Education.

The Centre for Research in Child Development (CRCD) invites applications for the position of Education Research Scientist (ERS) to join our interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing the science of child development in Singapore. Situated within the National Institute of Education (NIE), CRCD is a leading research centre conducting studies to enhance care, teaching and learning, school experiences, interventions, and policies for children from birth through the primary years and beyond. Our work integrates education, psychology, and developmental science through collaborative projects addressing critical questions in development. We conduct large-scale longitudinal research, intervention studies, and research syntheses, and engage with schools, families, and policymakers to inform practice and policy. 

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Early childhood education, particularly teacher–child interaction.
• Translation, development, and intervention research in child development.
• Emerging or high-impact areas, including artificial intelligence and technology in education and research involving students with special needs or at-risk students.

Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant discipline, such as Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or Educational Technology.
• At least two years of postdoctoral research experience, with clear evidence of scholarly independence.
• Demonstrated success in conceptualising and writing research proposals to secure competitive grant funding. 
• Proven leadership capability in the management of research projects and teams.
• A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, supported by citation metrics and journal rankings. 
• Evidence of independent research contributions, including first- or senior-author publications and invited academic presentations. 
• A demonstrated commitment to research translation, particularly in relation to educational practice and/or technology-enhanced learning.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken English).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and collaborative research environments.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop high-quality research proposals and secure external funding through competitive, peer-reviewed grant schemes. 
• Lead the design, implementation, and management of research projects aligned with CRCD’s focus on child development and early childhood education.
• Engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary research that contributes to CRCD’s strategic priorities and the broader research agenda of NIE.
• Publish research findings in internationally recognised, peer-reviewed journals and present at leading academic conferences.
• Contribute to the translation of research into practice and policy, including intervention development and engagement with educators, caregivers, and stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to junior researchers and research staff within the Centre.
• Support administrative and operational functions related to the planning, execution, and reporting of research projects.

Application
Interested applicants should complete and submit the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing motivation and fit for this position
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement outlining past achievements, current interests, and future research trajectory
• Up to three representative publications
• Contact information for three referees
• Any other documents that demonstrate qualifications for this position

Closing Date
 The closing date for applications is 31 May 2026 or until the position is filled.

Other Information
More information on CRCD can be found at https://www.ntu.edu.sg/nie/centre-for-research-in-child-development. Queries regarding the position should be directed to [email protected].

Note to applicants:
We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified via email.