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The Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL) at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore, the leading environmental law research institute in Asia, in partnership with Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF), is inviting applications from outstanding and ambitious candidates for the prestigious post-doctoral position of QCF Fellow in Climate Change and Corporate Law. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Jolene Lin and Professor Ernest Lim, both globally recognised experts in climate change law and the intersection of climate change and corporate law and governance, to advance an intellectually challenging and dynamic research agenda on corporate climate accountability. The fellow will be expected to be highly motivated and capable of working independently while at the same time, be at ease with working as part of a team that seeks to transcend disciplinary and jurisdictional boundaries.

The successful applicant must hold (or will hold) a PhD degree in law (preferably in the areas of climate change law, corporate governance or transnational environmental law) from a leading university, and should, ideally, have the ability to do advance empirical or interdisciplinary research. The successful applicant must have either been or will soon be awarded the PhD degree in law by the time of appointment.

Benefits

The position will carry the following benefits:

• The appointed candidate will be employed on a full-time contract with NUS Law for one year, renewable for a second year, subject to satisfactory performance.
• An internationally competitive remuneration package.
• Eligibility to apply for research and conference funding from APCEL to support attendance at academic conferences and to conduct field research, where required.
• Allocation of a lockable workstation within the premises of the Faculty.
• Being part of a highly selective network of QCF Fellows that provides the appointee opportunities for networking with leading interdisciplinary researchers.

Duties

The duties associated with the position is as follows:

• The successful applicant will be expected to be in residence throughout the term of his/her appointment, subject to the standard NUS terms as to annual leave.
• The successful applicant will be expected to develop his/her own research agenda, including undertaking research projects on climate change and corporate law, leading to publications during his/her term of appointment. Such research may include, but is not limited to, authoring articles for publication in top-tier refereed journals and authoring book chapters in edited collections with leading university presses.
• The successful applicant will work closely with Professor Ernest Lim and Dr. Jolene Lin to develop and advance an ambitious and original research agenda on the pathways to enhancing the accountability of companies, including state owned enterprises, in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation. These pathways are numerous, ranging from corporate law to international human rights law. The successful applicant is someone who has wide knowledge of these various pathways and is interested in testing the boundaries of existing climate law jurisprudence and theory.
• The successful candidate will be required to present his/her research and to participate in and contribute to APCEL seminars and reading groups.
• The successful candidate will be expected to perform work of an editorial nature, including (i) helping with the substantive content of APCEL events and assisting with publications associated with events; (ii) producing APCEL working papers and reports, including managing manuscripts, liaising with authors, ensuring compliance with house style, and basic editing.
• The successful candidate will be expected to attend meetings with QCF.

Requirements

The selection committee will consider the following criteria in making an appointment for the position of QCF Fellow in Climate Change and Corporate Law:

• The candidate will be of exceptional calibre and has (or will have) a PhD degree in law (preferably in the areas of climate change law, corporate governance or transnational environmental law) and should, ideally, have the ability to do advance empirical or interdisciplinary research. The candidate must have either been or will soon be awarded the PhD degree in law by the time of appointment.
• The principal selection criterion will be the applicant’s potential for excellence in research and a demonstrated ability and passion to develop and advance an ambitious and original research agenda on the pathways to enhancing the accountability of companies including state-owned enterprises.
• The candidate should be exceptionally organised and have an eye for detail. A strong command of the English language is required.

Application procedure

Applications are to be submitted via the NUS Career Portal. The application must comprise:

1. Cover letter

This should, inter alia, explain the reason for your interest in the position and address your ability to perform each of the duties and the requirements listed above.

2. Curriculum Vitae

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

3. Research Proposal

A detailed proposal outlining the applicant’s key research ideas within a corporate climate accountability agenda. This should be no more than 2000 words.

4. Writing sample

As the successful applicant is expected to publish in top-tier peer reviewed journals, a writing sample (which should ideally be on some aspects of climate change) must be included with the application. The sample must be submitted in Word format only.

5. Letters of Recommendation

The application must be supported by two references from academic referees, one of which must be from the applicant’s doctoral supervisor. Applicants must arrange for their referees to email their references to lawresearchappt@nus.edu.sg by the closing date.

6. Closing Date

The closing date for the receipt of applications and references is 30 March 2025. Late applications cannot be considered.

7. Shortlisting and Interview

Shortlisted applicants should expect to be interviewed by end April 2025. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted concerning the status of their application.