The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Assistant on an 8-month contract at the Visual and Performing Arts department.
Project Title: Resonating Roots: How Damaru Singapore Shapes Singapore’s Cultural Future
Project Introduction: This project studies Damaru Singapore, a youth-led Indian traditional drumming ensemble in Singapore. It looks at how the group preserves Indian drumming traditions while adapting them for today’s young people and contemporary audiences. The project explores how members learn, perform, teach, and pass on drumming knowledge. It also examines how drumming helps young people build cultural identity, confidence, and a sense of community. The research will involve observing rehearsals, lessons, workshops, and performances. It will also include interviews with ensemble leaders, teachers, and members. Archival research will be used to understand the history and development of Indian drumming in Singapore. The project will help us better understand how youth-led music groups keep cultural traditions alive while allowing them to grow and change in modern Singapore.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant field (Ethnomusicology and/or Music Education)
- Relevant skills in academic research (e.g., conducting literature review, interviews)
- Prior experience in research either at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels
- Technologically competent: able to exploit hardware and software for quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently
Responsibilities
- Conduct interviews with selected participants.
- Transcribe interview recordings into written text.
- Code, organise, and analyse research data.
- Prepare summaries of key findings for discussion with the Principal Investigator.
- Conduct literature reviews in relevant areas, including community drumming, ensemble dynamics in diasporic contexts, and ethnomusicology.
- Assist in preparing the final project report.
- Any other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
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.
Hiring Institution: NIE
