Research Fellow (ASEAN Law and Policy Programme) at National University of Singapore

Why the ASEAN Law and Policy Programme is a Career Catalyst

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Centre for International Law (CIL) has announced an opening for a Research Fellow within its prestigious ASEAN Law and Policy Programme. This is not just another academic job posting—it is an invitation to shape the legal architecture of one of the world's most dynamic economic regions. As ASEAN deepens its integration through the ASEAN Economic Community and beyond, the demand for rigorous, policy-ready legal scholarship has never been greater. A fellowship at CIL puts you at the epicentre of that conversation, working alongside leading scholars and practitioners who regularly influence how governments, tribunals and regional institutions interpret international law.

For early-career legal academics and postdoctoral researchers, this role offers a rare combination of scholarly freedom and institutional prestige. The programme is led by Professor Joseph Weiler, a towering figure in international and European law, whose presence signals the high intellectual ambition of the project. Being supervised by someone of his calibre can transform your research trajectory, open doors to global academic networks, and provide a credential that resonates far beyond Southeast Asia.

Inside the Research Fellow Role at NUS CIL

The Research Fellow is expected to propose and lead a research project on a specific area of ASEAN cooperation. That means you are not merely executing someone else's agenda; you are building your own research portfolio with the full backing of a world-class institution. The responsibilities are demanding but extraordinarily rewarding:

• Producing significant scholarly output, including journal articles, book chapters, policy papers and blog contributions.
• Presenting research at academic conferences at NUS and other international venues.
• Organising capacity-building programmes, particularly the annual Global Trade Law Academy (online) and the CIL ASEAN Academic Workshop.
• Editing the ASEAN Ideas in Progress working paper series.
• Contributing to CIL's broader research projects, events and initiatives.

This is a full-time, in-residence position at NUS's Bukit Timah Campus, with the initial appointment lasting one year and the possibility of extension to a second year based on satisfactory progress. The role is designed for someone who thrives in a collaborative but intellectually independent environment. If you want to build a publication record, gain editorial experience, and run high-level academic events, this fellowship delivers all three simultaneously.

What the Selection Committee Really Wants

The official eligibility criteria are clear: applicants must hold a doctoral degree in international law or a relevant ASEAN-related discipline, and ideally have at least two years of post-PhD work experience. But the committee's real interest lies in your potential to become an outstanding researcher. They are looking for evidence of deep engagement with ASEAN law, institutions, or the rule-based order, and they have a particular soft spot for candidates with a background in international economic law and an interest in the ASEAN Economic Community.

The primary selection criterion will be the strength of the applicant's background in ASEAN law and/or integration, and the applicant's potential for excellence in research.

This means your application must tell a coherent story: why ASEAN law matters, why you are the right person to study it, and what specific contribution you intend to make. Generic applications that mention ASEAN as an afterthought will not survive the first cut. The committee wants to see a focused, original research agenda that aligns with the programme's mission while filling a genuine gap in the field.

Decoding the Application Requirements

Submitting a strong application requires meticulous preparation. The NUS Career Portal is the sole submission channel, and preference will be given to applications received by 30 June 2026. The complete package must include:

• A personal statement of 500–600 words explaining your reasons for seeking the fellowship, your career goals, and any other pertinent information.
• A full CV with detailed information on academic institutions, honours, awards, publications, and professional experience (including dates and job descriptions).
• A copy of your doctoral dissertation and doctoral certification.
• A research proposal of maximum 3,000 words, covering the research question(s), methodology, anticipated contribution to the field, and expected deliverables (e.g., book, articles). The title must clearly indicate the nature of the project, and an executive summary of no more than 600 words must be included.
• One or two samples of published work.
• At least three letters of reference from academic referees, including one from your PhD supervisor. These must be sent confidentially and directly to Ms Huong Tam at huong.tam@nus.edu.sg by the application deadline.

Note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified, so every document matters. The research proposal is the centrepiece of the application; it is your chance to demonstrate intellectual originality and feasibility. Take the 3,000-word limit seriously—use it to present a sharp, well-structured proposal that signals your readiness to lead a significant research project from day one.

How to Craft a Research Proposal That Stands Out

A successful proposal for this fellowship should do more than describe a topic; it should persuade the committee that the research is both important and executable within the fellowship's timeframe. Start by identifying a concrete legal or policy puzzle within ASEAN that has not been adequately addressed. For example, you might examine the interaction between ASEAN dispute settlement mechanisms and international investment law, or the regulatory dimensions of the ASEAN Economic Community's digital economy framework. Whatever your topic, ground it in the existing literature and explain how your approach differs from prior work.

Methodology matters just as much as the question. The committee will look for a realistic plan—will you use doctrinal analysis, comparative case studies, or empirical methods? Which sources and archives will you consult? What obstacles might you encounter, and how will you overcome them? Finally, connect your proposal to the programme's capacity-building mission. If your research can inform the work of the Global Trade Law Academy or the annual ASEAN Academic Workshop, mention that explicitly. This shows you understand the institutional vision and are ready to contribute beyond your own publications.

Equally important is the personal statement. Instead of repeating your CV, use these 500–600 words to explain your intellectual journey, why ASEAN law is the natural next step, and how this fellowship fits into your long-term career. The committee wants to see self-awareness and ambition—not just a list of accomplishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Research Fellow position open to international applicants?

Yes. NUS is a global university, and the Centre for International Law actively welcomes scholars from around the world. The job posting is on LinkedIn's international platform and explicitly asks candidates to be in residence in Singapore, but there is no citizenship or residency restriction mentioned. International applicants should ensure they are prepared to relocate to Singapore by November 2026 if selected.

Can I apply if I have not yet completed my PhD?

The requirement is a doctoral degree, so you must have your PhD in hand at the time of application. The posting asks for a copy of the doctoral dissertation and doctoral certification, which suggests the degree must be completed. If you are very close to completion, it may be risky—contact the programme to ask whether ABD candidates are considered, but do not assume.

What is the deadline for reference letters?

The posting states that reference letters should be sent confidentially to Ms Huong Tam (huong.tam@nus.edu.sg) by the application deadline. Given that preference is given to applications received by 30 June 2026, your referees should submit their letters by that date as well. It is your responsibility to coordinate with your referees well in advance.

What makes this fellowship different from other postdoc positions?

This fellowship combines deep regional focus with top-tier international law scholarship. You are not just doing independent research—you are embedded in a programme that organises major capacity-building initiatives, edits a working paper series, and connects scholars with policymakers across the Asia-Pacific. The direct supervision of Professor Joseph Weiler and the prestige of NUS CIL add exceptional mentorship and career capital. For anyone interested in ASEAN law, international economic law, or regional governance, this is among the most coveted positions available.