Postdoctoral Fellow (Faculty of Law-TRAIL)

Job Description

The Centre for Technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the Law (TRAIL) was launched on 5 December 2019. Its focus is to inform the debate on the legal, ethical, policy, philosophical and regulatory questions associated with the use and development of information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and robotics, in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, through contributions by way of original thinking, research, writing and publications; and to collaborate with like-minded research centres around the world to further inter-disciplinary research in, and the development of, possible guidelines, standards, and solutions to the legal, ethical, policy, philosophical and regulatory issues associated with the development and application of IT, AI, data analytics and robotics in key industries.

BENEFITS  

1.    Employment on a full-time contract at NUS Law for one year, possibly renewable for a second year, subject to satisfactory performance.
2.    A fixed remuneration package of $81,600
3.    Eligibility to apply for research and conference fund allowances from TRAIL to support attendance at academic conferences and to conduct field research, where required.
4.    Allocation of a workstation and access to other TRAIL resources.
5.    Opportunity to present his or her research in Faculty workshops.

DUTIES  

The duties associated with the position include:
•    Researching for and collaborating in TRAIL’s (and the co-directors’) research projects and initiatives;
•    Conducting approved research based on the successful applicant’s own research agenda;
•    Supporting the organisation of various events by the Centre, such as conferences and academic workshops;
•    Identifying opportunities for collaboration (in consultation, and with approval from the Centre Directors) with other industry stakeholders and identifying new initiatives/projects that TRAIL can embark on.
You are expected to be in residence throughout the term of your appointment, subject to the standard NUS terms for annual leave.

Selection Criteria

SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection committee will consider the following criteria in making an appointment for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow in TRAIL:
1.    The successful applicant must be of exceptional calibre, and able to work largely independently with minimal guidance and within agreed timelines.
2.    Having attained a doctoral degree in law (PhD or equivalent).
3.    The principal selection criterion will be the applicant’s potential for excellence in research and the proposed programme of research of the applicant. An existing record of publication is an example of evidence of such potential.

 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested applicants are invited to apply and submit their applications directly via the NUS Career Portal. These must comprise:

1. Covering Letter
This should, inter alia, explain the reason(s) for your interest in the position.

2.  Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae should be submitted containing complete and detailed information on your academic institutions, honours, awards, all publications to date, and all academic, research and professional experience (current and previous, including dates of employment and job descriptions).

3. Writing Sample
As the successful applicant is expected to develop his or her own research to a publishable standard, a writing sample (which should ideally be on some aspect related to the applicant’s proposed research) must be included with the application. The sample must be submitted in Word format only.

4. Letters of Recommendation
The application must be supported by three references, at least two of which must be from academic referees, and one of which must be from the applicant’s doctoral supervisor. Applicants must arrange for their referees to send their references to [email protected] by the closing date.

5. Closing Date
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 23 August 2026.

6. Shortlisting and Interview
Shortlisted applicants should expect to be interviewed by 10 September 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted concerning the status of their application.