Research Fellow (Replication and Scaling of AI for Social Good)

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal. Please note your application will only be processed if you apply via NUS Career Portal.

NUS Career Portal link: https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Research-Fellow-%28Replication-and-Scaling-of-AI-for-Social-Good%29/34301-en_GB/?st=818FD306F4370943F6E852CAEBE3F5696343E925

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The National University of Singapore invites applications for two full-time Research Fellow positions on a new interdisciplinary research programme on the replication and scaling of Artificial Intelligence for Social Good (AI4SG).

The Research Fellows will work closely with Professor Lorenz Goette and Professor Jungpil Hahn, alongside collaborators in economics, information systems, public policy, artificial intelligence, and development research.

About the Project
AI applications in health, education, agriculture, and public services are moving rapidly from experimentation toward scale. However, tools that appear effective in pilot studies may not be adopted or sustained when deployed under real-world financing arrangements.

The project will examine how user beliefs, willingness to pay, financing models, and institutional constraints affect the adoption and social value of AI4SG tools. It will synthesize evidence, develop survey and experimental measures, collaborate with ongoing trials, and build simulation models comparing alternative financing arrangements. The geographical focus will be South and Southeast Asia, with particular attention to Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Responsibilities
Both Research Fellows will contribute across the full project. They will synthesize evidence, develop theoretical and empirical frameworks, design surveys and experiments, collaborate with ongoing AI4SG trials, analyse adoption and financing, build policy simulations, and prepare academic papers and policy reports. They will also engage with regional research partners, governments, funders, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

Candidate Profile 1: Behavioral and Experimental Research
The first profile is suited to a researcher with strong training in behavioral theory and experimental methods. Candidates should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in economics, behavioral science, public policy, psychology, or a related discipline. They should be comfortable developing behavioral models and designing laboratory, online, survey, or field experiments. Strong quantitative and programming skills are expected. Experience with randomized evaluations, willingness-to-pay methods, or research in developing-country settings would be particularly valuable.

Candidate Profile 2: Information Systems
The second profile is suited to a researcher with a strong background in information systems. Candidates should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in information systems, management, computer science, public policy, or a related discipline. They should bring expertise in technology adoption, digital platforms, human–computer interaction, digital transformation, or AI governance. Strong empirical and quantitative skills are required, together with the ability to connect technical systems to organizational and policy questions. Experience with computational modelling, AI implementation, or research involving governments and technology providers would be valuable. Knowledge of Asian digital ecosystems would be an additional advantage.

Appointment
The positions will be based at NUS in Singapore. The anticipated start date is October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and continued funding. Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement of up to two pages, one representative research paper or writing sample, and contact details for three referees.
The cover letter should describe the applicant’s interest in the project and indicate whether their expertise is primarily in behavioral and experimental research or information systems.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.