Policy Researcher

KRI is recruiting researchers to work in depth on a policy area: household wellbeing and social protection, labour and human capital, public finance, firms and industry, trade and global governance, urban and spatial change, or digital systems, and use rigorous empirical methods, quantitative, qualitative or mixed, to answer questions that matter for Malaysian households.

We welcome applications from fresh graduates through to mid-career and senior researchers for the roles of Research Associate/Senior Research Associate. The level of appointment is determined by KRI on the basis of experience and demonstrated past work.

What You Will Do

• Design and conduct high-impact policy research on issues facing Malaysian households, workers, firms, cities and institutions.
• Conduct literature reviews to assess existing evidence, identify research gaps and inform research design and policy analysis.
• Gather and analyse evidence using methods suited to the question: statistical and econometric analysis of survey and administrative data, or interviews, short-term ethnography and document analysis, or mixed methods.
• Produce research papers, policy briefs, and short articles to raise public awareness.
• Engage policymakers, regulators, civil society, the media and the public through briefings, public commentaries and op-eds, and public events.
• Contribute to, and at senior level lead, research aligned with national priorities within KRI’s research programmes.
• Collaborate internally and externally, building your research credibility and professional network in your area of specialisation on the KRI platform.

Who We are Looking For

• A degree in economics, statistics, public policy, sociology, anthropology, development studies, or related social sciences. A Master's or PhD is an advantage.
• Rigour in your chosen methods, whether quantitative (e.g. surveys, natural experiments, behavioural analytics) or qualitative (e.g. interviews, ethnography or document analysis). Whatever your method, you must be comfortable reading, interpreting and engaging with quantitative evidence. Familiarity with software and coding (e.g. Stata, R, Python or equivalent) is an advantage.
• Evidence of independent analytical work: for recent graduates, a strong thesis, dissertation or applied research project; for experienced candidates, a track record of published research, policy reports or technical work that has informed decisions.
• Clear analytical writing, evidenced by sole-authored work.
• For senior candidates, the ability to scope and lead a research project and to guide junior researchers.
• Familiarity with Malaysia's socio-economic context and data sources (e.g. Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) surveys) is an advantage.

What We Offer

• Institutionally funded research: Research funded by the Institute, without the burden of grant applications.
• Autonomy and impact: Pursue research aligned with your expertise within KRI’s priorities and shape policy discourse.
• Professional growth: Training, conferences, and opportunities to publish and present your work.
• Cross-sector exposure: Direct engagement with government, academia, civil society, and international research institutes.
• Flexible working: A hybrid working arrangement and a culture built on mission, evidence and public purpose.

To Apply

Email careers@krinstitute.org with the subject line: Application for Researcher: [Your Name].

Please include:

• CV
• A cover letter (one page) explaining the policy questions you want to work on and why KRI.
• At least two sole-authored writing samples (published or unpublished). You may include additional co-authored work; if so, please state your own contribution.
• Academic transcripts and certificates.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We regret that incomplete applications cannot be processed. Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.