Research Assistant, China

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

42d • Hybrid

About The Position

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, Chinese foreign policy, and US-China relations. 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.

Requirements

• Master's Degree or Bachelor's degree with two years of related work experience (internships will count toward experience)
• Mandarin proficiency

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 2+ years of China-related work or research experience preferred.
• Advanced Mandarin (reading, writing, speaking) highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, current international security issues, research methods, and basic quantitative techniques. Relevant coursework will count toward experience.
• Experience living/studying/working in Mainland China highly 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree