Research and Editorial Associate
Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is recruiting a Research and Editorial Associate to assist the David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies with the faculty director’s research and programmatic duties as director of the newly established Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF). This position is designed to implement significant components of research projects on China, with the potential to independently manage research projects. The Institute’s purpose is to add rigor and reason to public and policy discussions on China and the range of domestic and international issues that intersect China’s global role, bringing together experts and practitioners to foster informed public dialogue, promote evidence-based research, and support the next generation of scholars and practitioners.
The ideal candidate should be highly organized, reliable, responsive, and motivated, with a commitment to producing rigorous and accessible research and writing on Chinese foreign and domestic policy and its global implications. Candidates will have a proven record of research experience using primary sources, professional Chinese-language proficiency, and superb writing skills. He/she must be willing to flexibly juggle a mixed portfolio of research and programming tasks.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist with the research, writing, and editing of a book manuscript on China’s domestic politics and foreign policy, including writing research memos; assisting with the drafting and editing of chapters; locating, organizing, and synthesizing primary and secondary materials in English and in Chinese; conducting literature reviews; fact checking; and assisting with the production of figures for publications.
- Assist with other research, writing, and teaching projects, as needed, including op-eds, essays, research roundups, and podcasts.
- Monitor, evaluate, and issue briefings about the current development of China's foreign relations, domestic politics, and bureaucracy.
- Write occasional papers, commentaries, reports, articles, and issue briefs to disseminate research findings and express policy options.
- Evaluate and suggest areas of new research on Chinese foreign and domestic policy that can advance project goals and objectives and further the Institute’s mission
- Compile and curate content for institute publications.
- Assist with institute with writing and preparing proposals.
- Assist with meetings and events, including writing background briefs, drafting presentations, and taking notes.
- Assist with publicity and communications, including supporting the development of content for the Institute’s website.
- Other duties as assigned.
This is a hybrid remote position. The position can be mostly remote except when events take place, when the Research and Editorial Associate must be based in or able to commute to SAIS in Washington DC. Travel to the Hopkins Nanjing Center or SAIS Bologna Center may also be involved. Therefore, applicants living near DC are especially suitable, though others are also encouraged to apply.
This is a one-year term appointment, renewable upon satisfactory performance. JHU offers a competitive benefits package. There is the possibility of extension beyond two years depending on funding.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in related technical/scientific field.
- One year writing experience, preferably in technical/scientific field. Writing samples may be required. If degree is in a non-technical/scientific field, two years technical/scientific writing experience required.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Research background in Chinese foreign and/or domestic policy, including but not limited to issues related to security, nationalism, territorial disputes, ideology, domestic governance, climate change and the environment, global health, information technology, international institutions, and foreign policy toward the United States and other countries.
- Ability to read with professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
- Outstanding analytical, research, and policy research writing skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to efficient high-quality work.
- Demonstrated ability to handle a large number of ongoing activities and to prioritize.
- Diplomatic skills and cultural sensitivity; and personal commitment to and interest in the substantive work of the Institute.
- Master's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in related field with 2 years of relevant work
Classified Title: Technical Writer
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Research and Editorial Associate
Role/Level/Range: ATP/03/PC
Starting Salary Range: $53,800 - $94,400 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/District of Columbia
Department name: China Studies
Personnel area: SAIS