Senior Research Associate, Avoiding Great Power War Project

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

40d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Belfer Center seeks a Senior Research Associate, Avoiding Great Power War Project to support Graham Allison, the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at the Harvard Kennedy School and Faculty Chair of the Belfer Center’s Avoiding Great Power War Project. The Senior Research Associate will support and partner with Professor Allison to develop strategy and conceptualize core aspects of the research and convening agenda for the Avoiding Great Power War Project.

Requirements

• Ph.D. is required.
• 3+ years related work experience that includes research and publication in major science/technology and geopolitics/global affairs-focused outlets.
• Professional fluency (written and spoken) in Mandarin Chinese required.

Nice To Haves

• Strong preference for a PhD in a technology field (biotech, AI, quantum).
• Professional knowledge and expertise of science/technology and its relevance to national security (technical experience strongly desired).
• Professional experience researching Chinese domestic politics and interacting with Chinese government, academia, and political institutions (e.g., in the U.S. government or in Track 1.5/2.0 engagements).
• Significant knowledge of U.S.-China relations, Chinese domestic politics, Chinese foreign policy, Taiwan and cross-strait relations, China’s technology strategy and the U.S.-China tech rivalry.
• Professional experience working on national security policy related to technology (particularly, AI and biotechnology).
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills.
• Expertise and communications skills required to host events with senior officials and stakeholders from government, diplomacy, and the private sector.
• Mature self-starter with sound judgment, the capacity to work with a wide range of individuals, and ability to manage a variety of tasks/research projects simultaneously.
• Interest in maximizing the public reach (through articles, speeches, social media, etc.) for research findings.

Responsibilities

• Researching and publishing on the Great Rivalry between the U.S. and China.
• Conducting research on China’s grand strategy, politics, and technology competition.
• Conducting research on Taiwan and cross-strait relations.
• Organizing academic year speaker events for the Project.
• Publish research on U.S.-China relations, technology, and Chinese politics.
• Support Professor Allison on China research projects, including Track 1.5/2.0s.
• In collaboration with the Belfer communications team, conceptualize and lead plans to publicize and ensure dissemination of research outputs.

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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree