Research Fellow - China Studies

Macquarie University; Ryde; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Subsidised onsite parking

Flexible working options

Discounted health insurance (Medibank)

Employee Assistance Program

Sport & Aquatic Centre membership

Job summary

Macquarie University in Sydney invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellowship commencing in 2027. This 12-month residential position supports scholars whose research informs Australia's understanding of contemporary China and offers two additional fellowships in 2028 and 2029.

The role is split 80% research and 20% engagement, including policy briefings, papers, media commentary, and public events.

Qualifications

• PhD (or thesis submitted) in contemporary China studies with publishable results.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Commitment to public engagement, including briefing government, business and policy communities.

Responsibilities

• Allocate approximately 80% time to independent and collaborative research and publish advanced results.
• Spend ~20% of time on engagement activities: policy briefs, papers, media commentary, public events.

Skills

Excellent English communication

Public engagement

Policy briefing

Media appearances

Education

PhD in China studies

Job description

• Salary Package: From Level A.1 ($89,579) to A.6 ($112,550) per annum, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Full-time, fixed-term (12-month residential position)
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

About the Fellowship

The China Strategic Knowledge Initiative at Macquarie University invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellowship commencing in 2027. This is a 12-month, residential position based at Macquarie University in Sydney designed to support emerging scholars whose research informs Australia's understanding of contemporary China. There will be two additional 12-month fellowships available in the future, one in 2028 and one in 2029.

This fellowship is intended to strengthen policy-relevant scholarship and public engagement on China's foreign policy, security, defence, and domestic politics. The successful candidate will contribute to research excellence while actively engaging and informing government, media, and the broader policy community.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for an early-career scholar to develop a strong research profile while contributing to Australia's public and policy conversations on China. Eligible applicants with a demonstrated commitment to scholarly excellence and public engagement are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the Role

Based at Macquarie University in Sydney, you will join a vibrant intellectual community with access to the University's research resources, working under the mentorship and guidance of Associate Professor Courtney Fung, PhD, and Honorary Professor Bates Gill, PhD.

The fellowship is structured across two areas:

80% Research (approximately four days per week):

Independent and joint research aligned with the Initiative's mission. You will be expected to make significant progress in refining and publishing the results of your PhD thesis research.

20% Engagement (approximately one day per week):

Public and policy engagement activities, planned in consultation with your fellowship advisors. These may include:

• Policy briefings and consultations
• Policy papers and opinion pieces
• Media commentary and public outreach
• Participation in workshops, seminars, and public events
• Contributions to Australian policy discussions regarding China

Eligibility:

Applications are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents. You must be able to live and work in Australia for the duration of the fellowship.

About Us

Established in 2026, the China Strategic Knowledge Initiative is supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and Macquarie University. It aims to build Australia's knowledge base and policy engagement on China through rigorous scholarship and meaningful public outreach.

More information about CSKI and the fellowship program is available at https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-arts/schools/school-of-international-studies/our-research/china-strategic-knowledge-initiative.

About You (Selection Criteria)

• A completed PhD (or thesis submitted) relevant to contemporary China studies, with the capacity to refine and publish results.
• Exemplary scholarly achievement and strong future promise in one or more areas of contemporary China studies: Chinese foreign policy and international relations; security and defence issues; and/or Chinese domestic politics.
• A clear commitment to public engagement, including the readiness to brief government, business and the broader policy community.
• Experience or willingness to engage in media appearances, policy writing, and opinion writing.
• Willingness to take part in public-facing activities such as workshops, seminars, and public events.
• Excellent English-language communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Professional integrity and collegiality, including high standards of reliability, decorum, and joint work.

***The successful candidate will be required to complete a Police Check, an academic qualification check and any other relevant background checks required for the role.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit an application package online including:

1. Letter of Application (maximum two pages) summarising the applicant's interest in the fellowship, detail relevant qualifications and research agenda and confirm Australian citizenship or Australian permanent residency status.

2. Curriculum vitae which prrovides candidate's current contact information and details academic credentials, professional experience, research and publication record.

3. References which include the names, title(s), and email of three persons who can knowledgeably speak to the candidate's academic qualifications and professional character. One of the references must be the candidate's primary PhD advisor.

Additional supporting documentation may be requested from shortlisted candidates.

Application Timeline:

• Applications Close: Thursday 15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEDT)
• Shortlisted candidates contacted: November 2026
• Position commences: 2027 (prior to 1 June 2027, date to be agreed)

For general enquiries about the role, please contact the Mirna Alaaiddin at ***************@mq.edu.au

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

Why Join Us?

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.

Our prime location is just a short walk from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Enjoy the benefits of working at a campus that offers:

• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Flexible working options
• Training and professional development
• Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.