Nanyang Technological University, Sinapore
Deadline: 15th Nov 2025
We are looking for a motivated and talented scholar who wants to pursue a Ph.D. within the areas of political theory and intellectual history.
This individual will work within the Project “1980: The Global Electoral Moment, China and Beyond” with the Principal Investigator, Nanyang Assistant Professor Simon Sihang Luo, at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Situated at the intersection of political theory, history, and area studies, this project investigates the lived experience of electoral reform, with particular attention to its affective and imaginative dimensions—promise, excitement, and frustration—in 1980s China and in comparative contexts. Normatively, the project opens new dimensions to understanding important themes, institutions, and concepts in political theory, such as elections, democratization, and mass participation.
The successful candidate will contribute to archival collection, material analysis, and the production of research publications. Active participation in departmental events is also expected.
Pre-requisites:
• A good Master’s and a 2 nd Class Upper Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science or a related field.
• Training in normative research and experience in archival research.
• Excellent written and spoken command of English (IELTS: 7.0 Overall Score).
• GRE test scores (not required)
• Well written research proposal and relevant research experience or research achievements preferred.
• Excellent project management and multi-tasking skills.
Location of the programme:
The candidate will be part of a vibrant pool of graduate students in the Department of Public Policy and Global Affairs (PPGA) at NTU’s School of Social Sciences. Click here for more details. Located in the heart of South-East Asia, Singapore is an ultra-modern city-state offering impeccable infrastructure, superb food and celebrated multiculturalism. The climate is warm year-round. Nanyang Technological University, located at the west of the island, was ranked 26th in the QS World University Rankings 2024. It is also one of the top universities in Asia based on global rankings by subjects.
This Ph.D. position is funded full-time for a period of 4 years (tuition fees and stipends inclusive). Both Singaporean and international candidates are eligible to apply.
Interested candidates are requested to apply for admissions for the Aug 2026 intake for which applications open from 1 October to 15 November.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews (via online) and the successful candidate will be expected to enroll in the Ph.D. programme for the respective intake.
Please email your CV to: simon.luosh@ntu.edu.sg.
Download this announcement’s official PDF: