Position overview
We are seeking a Nepal-based social science researcher to join a collaborative project between the National University of Singapore (NUS), South Asia Institute of Advanced Studies (SIAS), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and Ashoka University. The project examines the social and ecological dynamics of abandoned agricultural land in Dolakha and Ramechhap districts, Nepal.
This is a 12-month remote-work position with a substantial fieldwork component in Dolakha and Ramechhap, particularly during winter 2026/27. Applicants should therefore be available and willing to spend extended periods conducting and overseeing fieldwork in the study sites. Although the position is otherwise remote, the researcher will have opportunities to be intellectually connected to the SIAS office in Kathmandu and to collaborate closely with the wider international research team.
Responsibilities
- Oversee data collection for a quantitative household survey in Dolakha and Ramechhap, including coordination of field logistics and research activities.
- Carry out basic data cleaning, management, and statistical analysis.
- Liaise and coordinate with other researchers on the project to support integration of social science and ecological data collection.
- Assist with and/or lead the qualitative component of the project, including focus group discussions with ward leaders and semi-structured interviews with landowners and youth.
The researcher will also have the opportunity to contribute to study design and to participate in the preparation of co-authored manuscripts and other research outputs.
Required qualifications and skills
- A Master’s or PhD degree in a social science discipline.
- Proficiency in Nepali language.
- Basic knowledge of quantitative data management and cleaning.
- Ability and willingness to undertake fieldwork in Dolakha and Ramechhap, including 2-3 weeks of team-based fieldwork during winter 2026/27 and spring/summer 2027
- Strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to coordinate with a collaborative research team.
Desirable qualifications and experience
- Previous experience or involvement in designing, managing, and/or implementing a quantitative household survey.
- Previous experience with statistical analysis.
- Previous experience conducting qualitative research, particularly in Nepal.
- Previous involvement in preparing academic manuscripts or other research outputs for publication.
What we offer
- Compensation based on experience.
- The opportunity to collaborate with an international and interdisciplinary research team across NUS, SIAS, SLU, and Ashoka University.
- Hands-on experience in field research, survey implementation, data management, analysis, and mixed-methods research.
- Opportunities to contribute to research design and co-authored publications.
- Mentorship and support for research and career development, together with intellectual engagement with SIAS in Kathmandu.
- To apply, please email the project PI Carly E Nichols (cnichols@nus.edu.sg) along with project Co-PIs Dil Khatri (dil@sias-southasia.org) and Harry Fischer (harry.fischer@slu.se) with a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter that describes demonstrated experience/qualifications and interest in the position. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.