The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Associate on a 24-month contract (renewable) at the Office for Research.

Project Title: Arts for Cultivating Creativity, Emotional and Social outcomes (ACES) Project: Understanding and Optimising the Effects of Arts-based Experiences and Programmes on Creativity and Socio-Emotional Outcomes of Adolescents

Project Introduction: This research programme was conceived to generate empirical insights that can be used to address two key issues that are of critical importance in Singapore: (1) realizing creative potential and (2) promoting mental health, particularly of the youth. To address these issues, the research programme will adopt a multiphase mixed-methods approach to examine how arts-based experiences and programmes can influence the creativity and socio-emotional outcomes of adolescents. Another overarching goal of the research programme is to produce a robust evidence base that can be used as a guide for the development and implementation of other arts-based programmes and optimising the benefits from arts engagement and experiences, as currently practiced.

The research programme comprises four phases and involves eight sub-studies. It aims to investigate how arts-based experiences influence creativity and socio-emotional outcomes in Singapore's adolescents, particularly focusing on long-term effects and impacts on different student profiles including those who are socially at-risk. The main research objectives of the study are to:

• Conduct a literature review on existing studies of effect of arts-based programme on adolescents’ creativity and socio-emotional outcomes;
• Understand existing art experiences of adolescents and creative professionals;
• Examine the effects of arts-based programmes on creativity and socio-emotional outcomes of adolescents in Singapore;
• Understand the factors that influence how arts-based programmes can benefit adolescents;
• Examine the relationship between creativity and socio-emotional development
• Translate the design principles of effective arts-based programmes into practice; and
• Facilitate and examine the process of diffusing and translating the design principles of effective arts-based programmes into practice.

Applicants with interest in doing post-graduate studies, honing their skills in conducting advanced data analysis and publishing research papers are invited to apply. This position is renewable.

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Education, Psychology, Social Sciences, Neuroscience, Educational Neuroscience, Aesthetic Education); applicants with a Bachelor’s degree with experience in research may be considered for the position
• Proficient in quantitative data processing and advanced statistical analysis using SPSS and MPLUS
• Proficient in using Qualtrics for data collection
• Proficient in academic writing
• Good organizational and documentation skills and able to work within tight deadlines
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in the arts, education and/or educational research
• At least 2 years of experience as a research staff
• A strong team player who is also able to work independently and flexibly in a large team

Preferred:

• Experience in working with teachers and students in Singapore schools
• Appreciation of and/or background in the arts (e.g., music and dance)
• Experience in doing longitudinal data analysis
• With evidence of proficiency in academic writing, such as published journal papers and/or book chapters
• Familiarity with research using electroencephalography (EEG)
• Experience in supporting mixed methods research

Responsibilities:

• Manage data collection and storage
• Conduct literature search, reviews and synthesis
• Conduct data processing and data analysis from intermediate to advanced level (e.g. structural equation modelling and latent profile analysis)
• Contribute to the writing of research papers and reports
• Assist in preparing presentations and other administrative duties
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator
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Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 14 calendar days from date of posting.