Research Assistant (Asian Languages & Cultures Department) [NIE]

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Assistant on a 7-month contract at the Asian Languages & Cultures Department.

Project Title: Preserving the Beat: Rebana Singapura as Intangible Heritage and a Tool for Social Cohesion

Project Introduction: This project investigates the historical evolution, cultural significance, and contemporary role of Rebana Singapura, a uniquely Singaporean adaptation of traditional Malay percussion. Emerging from the innovations of local musicians, Rebana Singapura reflects the dynamic interaction of Nusantara drumming practices with Singapore’s own multicultural landscape.

Despite its growing presence in schools, community events, and professional ensembles, Rebana Singapura remains under-documented in both scholarship and the national heritage archives. This study seeks to fill that gap by creating a comprehensive record of its origins, craftsmanship, performance practices, and social role.

While the rebana is rooted in Malay tradition, its performance contexts, whether at multicultural festivals, school programmes, or community workshops, have positioned it as a cultural bridge accessible to wider Singaporean society. This research will therefore not only preserve Rebana Singapura as intangible cultural heritage but also examine its relevance as a tool for fostering social cohesion across communities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Malay Studies or a related field.
• Prior experience in research data analysis, particularly qualitative research, will be advantageous.
• Strong interest in Malay cultural heritage, traditional performing arts, or community-based cultural research.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods and analysis, including coding, thematic analysis and interpretation of interview, survey and observational data.
• Proficiency in English and Malay language is required to analyse and interpret research data and materials in both languages.
• Proficiency in organising, cleaning, coding and managing qualitative data, including transcripts and other research materials.
• Experience with qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo, or the willingness and ability to learn, would be an advantage.
• Ability to synthesise research findings, identify key themes and patterns, and contribute to the preparation of research reports, presentations and publications.
• Proficiency of digital tools for data management, documentation and research coordination.
• Meticulous, organised, with the ability to work independently and manage substantial volumes of research data.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work systematically with confidential or sensitive research materials.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to present research findings clearly and coherently.
• Demonstrated interest in heritage preservation, cultural research, and multicultural engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Principal Investigator in the organisation, management and analysis of research data.
• Review and organise interview transcripts, survey responses, field notes and other research materials to ensure that the dataset is complete and systematically documented.
• Undertake coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data, including identifying key themes, patterns and relationships across the dataset.
• Assist with the analysis and synthesis of findings from different data sources and contribute to the interpretation of the research findings.
• Conduct targeted archival or literature research, where necessary, to support the analysis and contextualisation of the findings.
• Maintain systematic records of research materials and analytical outputs, ensuring compliance with relevant research ethics, data management and archival requirements.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in the preparation of research reports, archival submissions, presentations, publications and other dissemination materials.
• Undertake other research-related tasks pertaining to data analysis, documentation and reporting as required by the Principal Investigator.
• Any other administrative 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.