Research Associate (Scientific Coordination in Arts, Science and Biological Ecologies)

Position: Research Associate (Scientific Coordination in Arts, Science and Biological Ecologies)

Location: Centre for Art, Science and Biocultural Ecologies, Singapore

The Centre for Art, Science and Biocultural Ecologies (CASBE) succeeds the Nanyang Technological University Centre for Contemporary Art. This transition reflects the direction the former Centre has taken in recent years, with increasing focus on environmental futures, biocultural approaches, curation as research, and interdisciplinary experimentation.

The Centre seeks to position NTU and Singapore as regional leaders in art-science research on environmental futures and biocultural knowledge. It aims to build a platform where creative practice, cultural inquiry, and scientific insight meet to shape more sustainable, imaginative, and equitable worlds.

The Centre will host the Max Planck–Nanyang Technological University Centre for Biocultural Worlding, launching in 2026. This will be the first Max Planck centre in the humanities in Asia. It brings together leading scholars from the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) and creative and scientific communities in Singapore.

The incumbent will provide scientific coordination support and will work at the interface of research and administration, supporting the academic, curatorial, and operational activities of the Centre. The role will support the leadership team, serving as the primary point of contact for CBCW scholars and fellows, advisory board members, affiliated artists, citizen scientists, and policymakers, while facilitating the integration of CBCW activities into existing and planned programmes at CASBE and MPIWG.

Key Responsibilities:

Administration Coordination

• Assist Leadership team in the establishment and ongoing development of CBCW structures and processes

• Facilitate recruitment and selection processes for new CBCW members

• Organise onboarding and orientation programmes for incoming scholars, fellows, and short-term guests

• Provide secretarial support to the leadership team

Research Support

• Provide managerial oversight of research field trips, exchange programmes, publishing, and editorial activities

• Coordinate research publications and contribute to the logistics of public-facing or scholarly presentations

• Oversee research data management, ensuring systematic practices and compliance with University and partner institute policies

• Handle public facing event support and community liaison

Cost Monitoring

• Maintain and track the Centre’s annual budget

• Process travel reimbursements, invoices, and contractual documentation

Event Planning and Facilitation

• Plan and deliver a diverse programme of events in collaboration with CBCW members, including symposia, public talks, workshops, and artistic and curatorial laboratory sessions

• Coordinate event logistics, including venue bookings, travel arrangements, accommodation, and catering

• Liaise with curators, artists, scholars, and the steering committee to support exhibition development, execution, and public engagement

Communication and Outreach

• Oversee the Centre’s digital presence, including website updates, newsletters, and social media channels

Job requirements:

• Master’s degree in the arts, social sciences, or humanities

• Minimum of four years’ relevant experience in a similar role or environment

• Experience in research coordination, interdisciplinary project management or curatorial research

• Competency in operational finance, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting

• Strong written communication skills

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to multitask and work independently under tight deadlines

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across academic, administrative, and external stakeholders in an international environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.