Research Fellow (Centre for International Law) at National University of Singapore

Why the NUS Centre for International Law Fellowship Deserves Your Attention

In the rapidly shifting landscape of international law, few institutions command as much influence in the Asia-Pacific as the Centre for International Law (CIL) at the National University of Singapore. The Centre is not merely a research hub; it is a launchpad for legal scholars who want to shape policy, influence multilateral negotiations, and produce cutting-edge scholarship on issues that define our era—from climate change to ASEAN integration. The Research Fellow position announced for commencement in September 2026 is one of the most coveted postdoctoral opportunities in the region. It offers a unique blend of intellectual freedom, structured mentoring, and the prestige of being associated with a top-tier global university.

This is not just another academic job posting. It is a carefully designed fellowship aimed at nurturing the next generation of international law academics. The job description explicitly states that preference will be given to candidates who aspire to pursue an academic career. If you have recently completed a PhD in international law and dream of becoming a faculty member at a leading law school, this fellowship could be the single most important stepping stone in your career.

Decoding the Research Fellow Role: More Than Just a Postdoc

Research fellowships are often misunderstood as mere research assistantships with a fancy title. The CIL Research Fellow role, however, is structured to mirror the life of a junior academic. You are expected to design, execute, and publish an independent research project. Beyond that, you will be embedded in a postdoctoral community where you will participate in workshops, comment on colleagues' work, and receive mentoring on every facet of academic life—research design, writing, teaching, examination, publication strategies, supervision, and methodological skill-building.

The programme requires you to publish one or two articles in well-recognised peer-reviewed outlets or have a book proposal accepted by a reputable publisher within the appointment term. This is a high bar, but it is also the benchmark that will make you competitive for permanent academic positions. The fellowship is initially for one year, with the possibility of a second-year extension based on satisfactory progress. This structure creates a genuine incentive to deliver quality work while still offering the flexibility to pursue fieldwork and conference presentations with proper approval.

"The primary selection criterion will be the applicant's potential for excellence in research and the quality and originality of his/her proposed research project."

This statement from the job description reveals a lot about what the selection committee values. They are not looking for someone who can simply follow instructions; they are looking for a future colleague who can ask important questions, devise rigorous methodologies, and contribute original insights to the field.

The Asia-Pacific and ASEAN Advantage: Where Your Research Can Matter Most

While the fellowship is open to projects across all areas of international law, the Centre is particularly interested in research that addresses the Asia-Pacific region, climate change, and ASEAN law and policy. This is not a coincidence. Singapore has positioned itself as the legal hub of Asia, and its leading university is investing heavily in research that can inform regional governance, trade agreements, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

If your doctoral work touched on these themes—or if you can craft a compelling postdoctoral proposal that connects your expertise to these priorities—you will have a significant advantage. For instance, a project on the legal dimension of the energy transition in Southeast Asia, or one examining the role of ASEAN in international investment arbitration, would resonate deeply with CIL's mandate. Even if your area of interest is more general, such as the law of the sea or international humanitarian law, framing your project's relevance to Asia-Pacific actors will make it more attractive.

Who Is Eligible? Breaking Down the Doctoral Requirement

The eligibility criteria are concise but rigorous. You must hold a doctoral degree in international law obtained within the past two years. This means recent PhDs and those who have just defended their dissertations are the target audience. The requirement is strict—if your degree was awarded more than two years ago, you will likely not be considered. However, the committee also evaluates the quality of your doctoral dissertation and any other publications as primary evidence of your research potential. Therefore, a stellar thesis and strong publication record can outweigh other considerations.

In addition to the formal qualifications, you need to demonstrate that you are ready to be an active member of an intellectual community. The application process requires three letters of reference, ideally from your PhD supervisor or a member of your examining committee. These referees must send their letters confidentially directly to Ms Huong Tam, and they are asked to assess your scholarly contribution and your potential to conduct high-quality research. Choose your referees wisely—they are your advocates in a crowded field.

Crafting a Winning Application: The 3,000-Word Proposal That Gets Noticed

The core of your application is the research proposal. Limited to 3,000 words, it must include an executive summary of no more than 600 words, clearly state the research question(s), outline the methodology, explain the anticipated contribution to the field, and list expected deliverables (e.g., a book, articles). The title should be precise and indicative of the research nature.

This is your chance to showcase intellectual originality. A generic proposal will not suffice. Here are some key elements to include:

• Research Gap: Clearly identify the gap in existing scholarship that your project addresses. Why is this question important, and why now?
• Theoretical Framework: Connect your research to broader debates in international law and related disciplines. Demonstrate that you are aware of the leading scholarly voices.
• Methodology: Be specific about how you will answer your research question. Will you use case studies, comparative legal analysis, empirical methods, or doctrinal interpretation? The committee wants to see that your approach is feasible and rigorous.
• Policy Relevance: Particularly if your project touches on Asia-Pacific, climate change, or ASEAN law, explain how your findings could influence policy or practice.
• Deliverables: Ensure the expected outputs are realistic. Suggest both a journal article and a longer-term book project to demonstrate ambition and sustainability.

Career Trajectory: From Research Fellow to Tenure-Track Academic

Many aspiring law academics worry about the gap between earning a PhD and securing a tenure-track position. This fellowship is explicitly designed to bridge that gap. Beyond the research itself, you will be mentored in teaching and examination, publication strategies, and supervision—all the skills that are essential for a successful academic career. You will also be encouraged to present your work at conferences at NUS and elsewhere, building your scholarly reputation.

Completing this fellowship with the expected publications will place you among the most competitive candidates in the global academic job market. Even if you decide to pursue a non-academic career, the experience at CIL, access to a vast international network, and a strong publication record will open doors in international organisations, government ministries, and top law firms specialising in international law.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Candidacy

Given the competitive nature of this opportunity, you must approach the application strategically. Here are some practical steps to follow:

• Start early: Even though the deadline is not explicitly stated in the public LinkedIn posting, assume it is earlier than you think. Begin preparing your proposal and requesting reference letters immediately.
• Align with CIL's priorities: Tailor your proposal to address one or more of the Centre's focal areas—Asia-Pacific, climate change, or ASEAN law and policy. Read recent publications by CIL faculty to understand their interests.
• Polish your writing: Your published work samples and dissertation must be impeccable. Ask trusted mentors for feedback before submitting.
• Send reference letters confidentially: Remind your referees to email their letters directly to huong.tam@nus.edu.sg before the deadline. Ensure they speak specifically to the quality of your dissertation and the promise of your proposed research.
• Highlight your academic aspirations: In your application, explicitly state your desire to pursue an academic career. The committee wants candidates who will benefit from this mentorship and, eventually, become leaders in legal education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the fellowship open to scholars who have not yet been awarded their PhD?

The eligibility criteria require applications to possess a doctoral degree in international law obtained within the past two years. If you have submitted your dissertation but have not yet received the degree, you should contact the Centre to confirm whether you can apply. The safest approach is to assume that the degree must be formally conferred before the appointment begins.

Can the research fellow work remotely or outside Singapore?

No. The fellowship requires the researcher to be in residence at the Bukit Timah Campus for the full term, with the exception of approved annual leave and occasional research/fieldwork trips. This is because the programme is built around participation in the postdoctoral community and workshops, which require physical presence.

Are there any application fees or charges?

No. The application process is entirely free. Be cautious of any third-party services that ask for money to process your application. All documents should be submitted through the official NUS career portal.

What happens after the first year? Is extension guaranteed?

The initial appointment is for one year, and extension to a second year is possible but not automatic. The extension is contingent upon satisfactory progress during the first year. Meeting the publication expectations and actively participating in the Centre's activities will strengthen your case for renewal.