The Centre for Banking & Finance Law (CBFL) at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore strives to be at the cutting edge of legal developments in banking and finance by contributing ideas for improving the financial system at the national, regional and global levels. It aims to bring together a vibrant community to generate scholarship, policy recommendations and intellectual exchange about the robustness, soundness and stability of the banking sector, capital markets and other financial services.
The Centre is inviting applications from suitable candidates to conduct research in the areas of contract law and/or corporate governance, with a focus on how these areas of law can and do promote and protect, or perhaps undermine, the interests of investors unfamiliar with the law. A few examples of suitable contract-related topics would be the role of good faith, the approach to contractual interpretation, the scope to imply terms, and rectification. As regards corporate governance, examples would be an investigation into its effectiveness in promoting stakeholders’ interests, a comparative analysis of different corporate governance models, and boardroom perceptions and attitudes to corporate governance. Applicants are welcome to put forward other topics falling within the broad coverage of contract and corporate governance.
The position offers an opportunity to new graduates wanting to trial an academic career, and practicing lawyers or in-house counsel looking for a change of routine and interested in experiencing academic life.
BENEFITS
- Employment on a full-time contract at NUS Law for one year.
- A remuneration package, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Eligibility to apply for research and conference funding from CBFL to support attendance at academic conferences and to conduct field research, where required.
- Allocation of a workstation within CBFL.
DUTIES
- Develop and pursue a research agenda, including undertaking research projects on topics related to contract law with a focus on consumer investor protection and/or corporate governance, with a view to publication in suitable journals, edited volumes, reputable blogs or other appropriate online media.
- Present work-in-progress at CBFL research seminars with a view to refining it for publication.
- Assist in other CBFL research projects and initiatives, as assigned by the CBFL leadership, including producing working papers and reports, contributing to the substantive content of CBFL publications, assisting with CBFL events, managing manuscripts and undertaking basic editing.
- Attend and contribute to CBFL events.
- Successful candidates are expected to be in residence in Singapore throughout the term of your appointment, subject to the standard NUS terms for annual leave.
REQUIREMENTS
The applicant requires good organisational skills, self-motivation, diligence, the ability to meet deadlines, and an eye for detail. A strong command, oral and written, of the English language is essential, as well as evidence of an ability to produce publishable research independently. The relevant academic qualifications (and their corresponding positions) are as follows:
Research Assistant - has a good LLB degree in law (for example First-Class or Upper Second-Class Honours).
Research Associate - has a good LLM degree and a minimum of two years’ post-graduation work experience.
Research Fellow - has recently obtained a PhD degree in law.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications must be submitted via the NUS Career Portal. The application must comprise:
- Covering letter
This should, inter alia, explain the reason for your interest in the position. Note that you need not identify a preference for any one of the specific listed positions; this will be determined by your qualifications, background, and expertise.
- 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 professional experience (current and previous, including dates of employment and job descriptions).
- Writing sample
As the successful applicant is expected to develop his or her own research to publishable standard, a writing sample (which should ideally be on some aspect related to your proposed research) must be included with the application. The sample must be submitted in Word format only
- Referees
Applicants should list three to five referees and their email addresses in their CV, who can be approached to provide letters of recommendation.
- Closing Date
The closing date for the receipt of applications and references is Monday, 15 December 2025. Applications must be submitted at the following links:
- For a position as Research Assistant
- For a position as Research Associate
- For a position as Research Fellow
- Shortlisting and Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview on a date to be arranged. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application within two months of the closing date.
