SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Position Overview:
Job Purpose
To be an active member of a small (3-person) research team within Asia School of Business to study the challenges faced by SMEs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and identify the enablers that can enhance their efficiency to foster their growth and contributions to the Saudi economy. This is an externally funded project that will run from now until December 31st, 2025.
General Descriptions
- Actively perform and lead parts of the research project, from planning and initiating the research project, literature review, transcription, data collection, analysis, writing of the paper, and dissemination to ensure the successful publication of research output within the planned period.
- Managing administrative tasks related to the project.
- Keeping track and monitoring the budget related to the project and complying with internal ASB Finance regulations and protocols.
- Managing and organizing any side or supplementary events related to the project for dissemination to the public or coordination with the Saudi leads.
- Lead research output dissemination to relevant stakeholders from policymakers, private sector stakeholders, civil society stakeholders and the public to create research impact from the research project.
- Comfortable with travelling around and outside of Malaysia to collect data and for meetings with stakeholders. This includes traveling once to Riyadh (estimated October 2025) to present the draft of the project, rewriting feedback into the paper as needed, and ensuring submission of the project to an academic journal. Travel allowances will be covered as part of employment.
Minimum Qualification and Skills Required
- Master’s Degree in Social Sciences preferred, with 3 years minimum research-related experience.
- Good command of English and Malay (spoken and written).
- Advanced knowledge in research data collection and analysis methodology and tools either in qualitative or quantitative methods.
- Ability to independently learn qualitative and quantitative research data collection and analysis methodology.
Remuneration
The base remuneration will be fixed at RM 8,000-9,000 per month for the duration of the contract. No EPF or SOCSO will be provided but candidates are welcome to set aside funds for retirement contributions and health insurance.
General Description
- To lead in coordinating the general research activities of the research project, including assisting the research center Faculty Director on project planning and management.
- To manage and plan the research project, budget and expenditure together with the research center management team.
- To lead in reporting research project activities to grant provider and senior management.
- To lead, manage and monitor the research project administration, including the research project management, publication process, workshop organization and event organization.
- To manage the promotion of the research project and research activities in the research center.
- To participate in the general management activities of the research centers together with the research center management team.
Minimum Qualification and Skills Required
- Excellent command of English and Malay (spoken and written) – both in research writing and also on business writing. 
- Excellent general administration and Project Management skills.
- Excellent skills in using Microsoft office software and other project planning tools.
- Excellent organisational and collaboration skills, strong team player that can lead and delegate to teams.
- Self-motivated to initiate, operate and manage multiple different operations in the research project and research center.
- Timely and detailed-oriented in managing operations and administration.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years working experience in relevant field.
Remuneration
The base salary will be in the range of RM5,500 to RM6,500, and EPF, SOCSO and insurance will be included.