Postdoctoral Research Associate – 21st Century China Center

The 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions beginning September 2026. Each carries an initial two-year appointment and offers the opportunity to join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community engaged in cutting-edge, data-driven research on Chinese politics, society, international relations, and policy.

The Center seeks scholars with strong training in political science or related social science fields whose research focuses on contemporary China. Depending on fit, postdoctoral associates would: 1) work closely with faculty affiliated with the China Data Lab (CDL), supporting quantitative or computational projects on Chinese politics and society, or 2) contribute to the Center’s broader research agenda on China’s international relations, foreign policy, and international political economy. Both roles provide opportunities for collaboration, co-authorship, and mentorship aimed at helping the selected candidates build a strong academic research pipeline.

The positions require a demonstrated research focus on Chinese politics, society, and/or international relations and foreign policy—particularly as they relate to U.S.–China relations—supported by strong training in quantitative, computational, or other rigorous social science methods and clear evidence of high-quality, promising scholarly work on China. Appointees are expected to reside in San Diego during the appointment period, actively engage in the intellectual life of UC San Diego and its Center, pursue both independent research and collaborative projects with Center faculty, and maintain a firm commitment to producing policy-relevant, publishable academic research.

Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. or ABD in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Sociology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related social science discipline.

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Statement of Research and Teaching

• Research Paper - A dissertation chapter or a substantial research paper.

• Unofficial Academic Transcripts

• Authorization to Release Information Form - The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in university programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. With this commitment, UC San Diego requires all candidates for academic appointments to complete, sign, and upload the Misconduct Authorization of Information Release form into AP Recruit as part of their application. If the candidate does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, only finalists considered for positions will be subject to an institutional reference check.
  https://aps.ucsd.edu/_files/oars/Authorization_Release_of_Information_Form.pdf

• 2 letters of reference required

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.

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As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
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• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]