PostDoctoral Research Fellow Opportunity in Chinese Overseas Lending

The China-Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS-CARI), directed by Professor Deborah Brautigam, will offer one pre- or post-doctoral research fellow position for a ten-month period during the 2021-2022 academic year (approximately June 2021 to May 2022).

CARI’s fellow will spend half of their time on their own Chinese loan-related research projects, and half providing support to CARI research on Chinese lending. This support could include drafting research papers, policy briefs, and related op-eds and “public square” pieces; presenting at conferences and public events; and assisting with, and participating in, interviews, outreach activities and communications as necessary.

An understanding of China’s overseas economic engagement (trade, investment, aid, loans, other forms of cooperation) is essential for this position. Our preference is for candidates who have conducted field research, preferably in Africa, although we are open to comparative perspectives. Econometric skills would be an asset but are not required. Ability to read and do research in Chinese is essential. 

We prefer candidates who have completed all Ph.D. training and have defended their dissertations, but will consider exceptional candidates who are still writing their dissertations as pre-doctoral fellows. Candidates may not be more than five years beyond receipt of the Ph.D. at the start of the fellowship. 

Only applications through Interfolio will be taken into consideration. Please apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/83123.

To apply, please provide the following:

• Cover letter explaining your fit for the position, including your scholarly interest in China’s overseas lending, the use (if any) that you would make of CARI’s extensive data on Chinese lending in Africa, and prospective or actual doctoral defense date;

• Current C.V. including publications;

• 1000-word description of the research project you would work on at SAIS, including its specific objectives, importance, and research design;

• One writing sample;

• Three letters of recommendation, requested directly through the Interfolio system.

We will begin reviewing applications on February 28, 2021 and will continue to review new applications until the position is filled, or until March 31, 2021, 11:59pm EST, whichever is earlier. Rank and salary will be contingent on qualifications. Candidates will be notified by March 22, 2021 of the results of their application.  

Please contact sais-cari@jhu.edu with any questions. We appreciate your further dissemination of this posting to interested candidates.

This position is funded by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York.