Full-Time Faculty, Research Track

Role Overview

The Urban Institute at Singapore Management University is seeking applications for up to three full-time Research Track faculty roles at the Associate Professor or Full Professor level in Urban Informatics or Urban Studies. These are non-tenurable, fixed-term appointments that run for three years initially, with the option to renew.

About the Urban Institute

The Urban Institute is SMU’s university-level research institute focused on producing real-world impact through interdisciplinary work on Asian cities. Its mission is to build a human-centred, innovation-led, and Asia-focused understanding of cities. Through its four research pillars — Growth, Governance, Systems, and Experiences — the institute aims to deepen insight into the factors that make Southeast Asia’s cities more liveable, inclusive, and resilient.

What the Role Involves

Research Track faculty are expected to carry out high-quality research with meaningful impact, contribute to interdisciplinary scholarship, and take part in the academic and intellectual life of the Urban Institute and the wider university. The teaching commitment is one course per year, and successful faculty members will be measured against clear performance indicators related to publishing and grant acquisition.

Research Areas of Interest

The institute is especially interested in candidates whose work expands the frontiers of urban research in areas such as urban sustainability, urban systems and infrastructure including smart cities, urban liveability and inequality, and innovative approaches to urban theory. Applications are also welcome from people trained in Data Science or Analytics, Computer Science, GIS, Informatics, Geomatics, Urban or Development Economics, Urban Planning, Urban Engineering, and related disciplines, provided their work has a strong urban focus.

Desired Profile

Candidates with a strong record of interdisciplinary research are particularly encouraged, especially those who have conducted research on cities in Asia. Experience within Singapore’s higher education sector will be considered an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver high-quality research projects on urban issues in Asia and prepare competitive grant proposals.
• Teach one undergraduate or postgraduate course each year on an urban-related topic.
• Contribute actively to SMU’s research and academic communities, including at least one strategic priority area: Growth in Asia, Digital Transformation, or Sustainable Living.
• Engage with the Urban Institute’s intellectual community and collaborate across schools such as Computing and Information Systems, Economics, Law, Business, and the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Application Process

Applicants should prepare a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research statement, and two samples of published written work in English. Shortlisted candidates will need to arrange for three academic references to be sent directly by email to the institute. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Shortlisted applicants will also be invited to a campus visit.

Timeline and Additional Information

Applications will be reviewed from 5 September 2025 and the application portal will remain open until the positions are filled. Interviews and campus visits are expected to take place in October 2025, with the successful candidate expected to begin in January 2026 or later. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Inclusive Hiring Statement

SMU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and applications from women and minorities are especially encouraged.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in a computational or interdisciplinary field with an urban focus, such as Data Science/Analytics, Computer Science, Geographical Information Systems, Informatics, Geomatics, Urban or Development Economics, Urban Planning, Urban Engineering, Urban Science, Urban Studies, or Development Studies.
• A track record, or strong potential, for producing high-quality research and publications.
• Strong oral, written, and presentation communication skills.

Employment Details

This is a full-time, onsite faculty appointment based in Singapore.