Research Assistant (China focus)

Cambridge, MA, USA
Posted on  

Job Description


Job-Specific Responsibilities

The Belfer Center seeks a Research Assistant to support Graham Allison, the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Belfer Center’s Avoiding Great Power War Project, in conducting in-depth research on China-related topics, focused on Chinese domestic politics, economics, society, and history, as well as Chinese foreign policy and U.S.-China relations.

The Research Assistant will work closely with other members of a small research team and play a key role in:

  • Conducting research on China-related topics and producing in-depth analytic memos, eventually building deep expertise in their areas of responsibility.
  • Contributing to internal and external publications such as research reports, op-eds, academic articles, and book chapters. 
  • Planning and conducting research for high-level events, including private working groups and large public events; includes managing the planning and research related to the Belfer Center’s China Working Group. 
  • Other related job duties, as required.


About the Belfer Center:

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. In 2021, the Belfer Center was named a “Center of Excellence” by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program, in recognition of the Center’s six consecutive years as the world’s #1 university-affiliated think tank.


The Center has a dual mission: (1) to provide leadership in advancing policy-relevant knowledge about the most important challenges of international security and other critical issues where science, technology, environmental policy, and international affairs intersect; and (2) to prepare future generations of leaders for these arenas.


We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive organization is central to our ability to achieve our mission. It is our goal to promote historically underrepresented groups within our organization and within the fields of science and international affairs.


Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and one year of related work experience (internships will count toward experience), along with demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, current international security issues, research methods, and basic quantitative techniques. Relevant coursework will count toward experience.


Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, though we will consider candidates who have a bachelor’s degree with extraordinary academic or professional credentials. 
  • 1+ year of China-related work or research experience preferred.
  • Advanced Mandarin (reading, writing, speaking) highly preferred.
  • Experience living/studying/working in China preferred.
  • Significant knowledge of, and interest in, current international security issues.
  • Exceptional writing skills.
  • Basic quantitative proficiency.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision under tight deadlines.


Additional Information

This is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with the possibility of renewal.


All applicants must submit the following through the Harvard employment website at www.hr.harvard.edu/jobs:


(1) Cover letter of 300 words or less

(2) Résumé or CV

(3) Official or unofficial transcript

(4) Analytic writing sample of 20 pages or less 

(5) Names and contact information for three references


Deadline:

Materials must be submitted by January 30, 2022, at 11:59pm Eastern. Early submissions are preferred.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interviews with the research team and with Professor Allison.


Note:

  • Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
  • Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
  • We regret that Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.



Please note: This is an in-person/on campus position based in Cambridge, MA, with possible flexible work options.


Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/