Post-doctoral researcher salaries in Mechanical Engineering

[baydo]

Dear All,

I am currently looking for post-doctoral research positions in mechanical engineering, specifically fluid mechanics, in Singapore. Unfortunately, I have not been able to access any resource stating offer packages for such post-doc opportunities. I would like to have an idea about how much shall I be offered in terms of average salaries and benefits for such post-doc positions in Singaporean Institutions. Thanks in advance for the help.

Cheers,

[beppi]

If it's a bog-standard Post-Doc package (i.e. such as thousands of Chinese PhD holders are desperate to accept at any rate), the pay will be pretty low - approx. S$3500/month last time I checked (many years ago).
But if you have special skills (or connections), work in a field declared "strategic" to Singapore's future, or there's any other reason they want you, then more is possible.

[baydo]

Thank you very much for the number but I really sounds like quite low especially if the housing costs minimum 2k SGD these days. I hope the wage level has been upgraded and someone can supply such updated information during incoming days.
But thank you for the info. I appreciate your help.

[x9200]

REALLY hard to say and your area is a bit specific so you may not get any response from mechanical engineering people. A friend of mine (natural sciences) came over here 10++ years ago directly after his PhD defense and was offered twice as what beppi has mentioned in salary and housing packages. Things have changed since then and not necessarily for better. Coming from a recognizable institution from a Western country I would guess your basic salary should be from 4.5k upwards (but probably less than 6k) with none or limited housing benefits.

[baydo]

Thank you very much guys! That has been quite helpful to understand the market is quite non-uniform in terms of contract terms. But I understand is that it is less probable to get something more than 6k (72k/year). How much should I expect for the tax and is there any tax benefit for the researcher or high skilled immigrants or it is all flat rate?

x9200 has mentioned about the housing benefits. What do they normally offer for housing? I know the rents in Singapore has skyrocketed in last years and it is very hard to find something decent for less than 2.5k. So normally how much do the companies or schools help on the housing in your knowledge?

Thanks for the help...

[sundaymorningstaple]

Thank you very much guys! That has been quite helpful to understand the market is quite non-uniform in terms of contract terms. But I understand is that it is less probable to get something more than 6k (72k/year). How much should I expect for the tax and is there any tax benefit for the researcher or high skilled immigrants or it is all flat rate?

Once you have been here over 183 days you will be taxed at resident rates. over 60 days but less than 183 days you will be taxed at a flat 15%. You are allowed to straddle two consecutive tax years in order to meet the 183 days minimum for resident rates. If you have a valid EP for 12 months or more, it will be automatic without the need for an amended return later. Tax rates here are among the lowest in the world. See here to give you an opportunity to figure out your taxes based on whatever you put into it as your income.

http://iras.gov.sg/irasHome/taxcalculators.aspx

http://iras.gov.sg/irasHome/uploadedFil ... 1_IRAS.xls

x9200 has mentioned about the housing benefits. What do they normally offer for housing? I know the rents in Singapore has skyrocketed in last years and it is very hard to find something decent for less than 2.5k. So normally how much do the companies or schools help on the housing in your knowledge?

You can find decent housing but again, the term is relative and whether you are expecting a condo or can do with an HDB flat. (A number of us on the board have lived in HDB housing for a lot of years). Companies may or may not give you a housing allowance. Same with schools although most do give an allowance "towards" your housing. Some are fully found. So it's only how well you negotiate and whether or not the company thinks you are worth it.

Thanks for the help...

sms

[baydo]

Thank you sms! The links are quite helpful and your explanations as well.

Thanks all,

Cheers