Principal Research Fellow and Head of Programme (International Energy Law and Policy)

The National University of Singapore is seeking a Principal Research Fellow and Head of Programme for its International Energy Law and Policy Programme. The role involves leading research on international energy governance, focusing on sustainability and energy transition, particularly in the ASEAN region. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, conducting high-quality research, organizing academic events, and building partnerships. Candidates should have a PhD and at least 10 years of relevant experience.
Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal

Your application will be processed only if you apply via NUS Career Portal

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Job Description

The Centre for International Law (CIL) seeks to appoint an internationally recognised scholar to lead and expand its International Energy Law and Policy Programme. The successful candidate will shape and advance the Centre’s research agenda on international and regional energy governance, providing thought leadership on energy transition and sustainability. The role also involves building partnerships with academic institutions, governments, international organisations, and industry stakeholders.

The successful candidate will develop and lead research on the international legal and policy frameworks needed to support the global energy transition toward secure, sustainable, and resilient energy systems, with particular attention to ASEAN’s energy transition journey and its evolving energy cooperation agenda. Key focus areas include governance issues relating to renewable energy integration, regional energy interconnectivity, and low-carbon technologies such as nuclear power and other emerging energy technologies.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide strategic and intellectual leadership for the International Energy Law and Policy Programme, including defining research strategy and priorities and ensuring the delivery of high-quality scholarly and policy-relevant outputs.
• Conduct and publish high-quality research on international and comparative energy law and policy.
• Lead and oversee research initiatives and projects examining issues in international and comparative energy law and policy, including the governance of energy transition pathways, renewable energy development, nuclear energy regulation, the climate and environmental externalities of energy production and consumption, and regional energy cooperation within ASEAN frameworks
• Convene academic conferences, workshops, seminars, and dialogues to promote the exchange of ideas, support capacity building, and facilitate regional policy engagement.
• Explore opportunities for cross-programme collaboration within CIL for research projects and activities.
• Represent CIL in international fora and contribute to thought leadership on global and regional energy governance.
• Develop and maintain networks with academic institutions, international and regional organisations, and other public and private-sector stakeholders.
• Mentor and supervise research staff within the programme.
Qualifications
• A PhD in International Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law or a related field, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in research and programme leadership.
• Recognised expertise in international or comparative energy law and policy, including areas such as energy transition, renewable energy governance, nuclear energy regulation, critical energy transition mineral governance, and climate and environmental governance, with sustained engagement in real-world governance challenges.
• A strong record of research excellence and publications in international law, energy law or energy policy.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing research programmes or initiatives.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience in supervising and mentoring researchers.
• Knowledge of the regional energy governance in Asia, including familiarity with ASEAN energy cooperation frameworks and institutional arrangements.
• Established international and regional networks within the energy and legal policy community.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with experience engaging policymakers and translating research into policy-relevant outputs.
Application Procedures

Interested applicants are invited to apply online through the NUS Career Portal by 15 April 2026. Applications should include the following documents:
• A cover letter outlining relevant experience, motivation for wanting to join CIL and any research interests.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae (no more than 3 pages) detailing their educational background and professional and leadership experience.
• A research statement (maximum of 3 pages) highlighting key research achievements, citing up to 5 significant publications, creative work or other scholarly contributions, and explaining their significance.
• A complete list of publications.
• Documentation of research impact, such as citation records.
• Evidence of international recognition and research awards.
• Five (5) copies of significant publications.
• Names and contact information of at least three (3) academic referees.

Please be advised that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. For any inquiries, kindly reach out via email to huong.tam@nus.edu.sg
More Information about CIL

The Centre for International Law (CIL) was established in 2009 as a university-level research institute at National University of Singapore (NUS). It is located on the Bukit Timah Campus of NUS, together with the Faculty of Law. As a university-level research institute, CIL engages in both legal and multi-disciplinary research on wide variety of international law issues. Its mission is to enable Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region to play a more significant role in the promotion and development of international law. CIL's vision is to become a regional intellectual hub and thought leader for research on and teaching of international law. More on CIL can be found here: https://cil.nus.edu.sg/