Research Fellow (Centre of African Studies (CAS))

The Research Fellow at the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies (CAS), Nanyang Business School, is expected to contribute actively to the Centre’s mission of advancing high-quality, policy-relevant, and globally visible research on Africa, while supporting the Centre’s academic development, intellectual leadership, and engagement activities. He/she will report to the Director (CAS).

Responsibilities:

• To carry out independent and collaborative academic research in areas related to African economies, business, finance, development, and institutional transformation. Research output should meet international standards and be targeted at leading peer-reviewed outlets, including top economics and business journals such as those listed in UTD24 and FT50, as well as reputable field journals, including the Journal of African Business, African Journal of Business and Economic Research, and the Journal of Asian and African Studies. The Research Fellow is also encouraged to pursue competitive external research funding and to build research collaborations with scholars within NBS, across NTU, and with international partners, particularly those with expertise in African studies.

• To present research findings regularly at internal seminars, international conferences, and academic workshops, contributing to the intellectual vibrancy and global visibility of CAS. Active engagement in interdisciplinary and comparative research linking Africa with Asia and other emerging regions is particularly valued.

• Play an active role in shaping the Centre’s academic agenda through the curation and organisation of seminars, workshops, and symposiums focused on African economies, business systems, and development challenges. This includes identifying emerging research themes, inviting distinguished speakers, and facilitating dialogue among academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

• To take a leadership role in coordinating these activities and ensuring alignment with the Centre’s strategic priorities.

• Guiding and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking Africa-related research at CAS. This involves providing academic mentorship, methodological guidance, and professional development support, as well as contributing to the design and delivery of doctoral training activities related to African business and economic research.

• Submit grant proposals and win research projects

• To support the Centre Director in the strategic development of CAS. This may include contributing to research strategy, developing partnerships with African and international institutions, coordinating grant applications, and engaging with external stakeholders such as policymakers, development agencies, and industry partners.

• Assist in mentoring junior researchers, supporting visiting scholars, and enhancing the Centre’s international profile through conferences, policy dialogues, and public-facing outputs

Requirements:

• PhD. Thesis relevant to Africa or Asia-Africa comparison/linkage would be a bonus

• Relevant research experience on African business, economies, and societies

• Some teaching experience (even as a teaching assistant)

• Knowledge in Development Economics; International Trade; Public Policy; Sustainability; African Business Climate; Econometrics; Data Analysis; Conducting Surveys; Comparative Analysis; Regression Analysis will be advantageous

• At least three published articles/working papers that demonstrate relevant expertise

• Deep understanding of Africa and how businesses work

• Strong data analysis skills, including econometric analysis, applied microeconomic methods, and/or theoretical or structural modelling.

• Ability to manage, clean, and document datasets, with sound data management and reproducibility practices.

• Competence in the productive and responsible use of AI technologies for research, data processing, literature review, coding assistance, and workflow optimization.

• Excellent PowerPoint and visual presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex analysis clearly and succinctly.

• Ability to translate rigorous research into accessible insights for non-specialist audiences, including students, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

• Strong written communication and editing skills, including academic writing for peer-reviewed journals, research proposals, and policy-oriented outputs.

• Excellent oral communication skills, including presenting research clearly in seminars, conferences, and public forums.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.