China Analyst / Researcher / Editor

Sinification; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focusing on China is looking for a full-time Research Analyst to deliver high-quality research and analytical outputs on China. The role involves rigorous analysis, research curation, and public engagement. Candidates should have an MA or higher in a relevant field, exceptional writing skills, and at least 2 years of related experience. Proficiency in Mandarin is essential. This position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful work promoting understanding of China.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ professional research/analysis focused on China.
• Exceptional command of written and spoken English; Proficiency in Mandarin.
• Experience with BRI/BRICS/SCO and China’s engagement with the Global South.

Responsibilities

• Produce rigorous analysis with clear takeaways.
• Research and curate international sources into audience-ready summaries.
• Engage publicly with journalists and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical writing

Interviewing

Public speaking

Data analysis

Editing

Event organization

Research

Education

MA or higher in relevant field

Tools

Stata

R

Python

Job description

About us: Sinification is a non-profit organisation that tracks, translates and analyses key debates shaping thought and policy in China.

Contract: Initial 12-month fixed-term; extension possible, funding-dependent.

Hours: Full-time or part-time (pro-rata)

Reporting to: Executive Director

Purpose of the role: Deliver high-quality research, analytical and editorial output on China. The role expands the charity’s capacity across analysis, translation/curation and public engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Produce rigorous analysis (reports, briefings and short commentaries) with clear takeaways and high editorial standards.
• Research, curate and digest long-form international sources into concise, audience-ready summaries with a clear “so what”.
• Work with Chinese-language primary sources and employ open-source research methods.
• Commission, brief and line-edit external translators/contributors; manage light contracts and deadlines.
• Produce rapid reads within 24–72 hours when news warrants.
• Engage publicly: brief journalists, present at events, appear on podcasts and liaise professionally with stakeholders.
• Conduct interviews and contribute to editorial planning.

Required qualifications & experience

• Education: MA or higher in a relevant China-focused field (e.g., economics, international relations, political science, sociology, public policy or China studies).
• Experience: 2+ years’ professional research/analysis focused on China.
• China experience: Experience of living in China.
• Writing: Track record of sharp, analytical writing on China’s geopolitical, economic, technological, political and/or societal conditions.
• Language: Exceptional command of written and spoken English; Proficiency in Mandarin; ability to translate and summarise complex policy/academic texts.
• Editing: Strong line-editing, headline crafting and newsletter formatting skills, including rigorous fact-checking and source verification.
• Editorial Curation: Ability to turn long-form material into concise, insightful outputs.
• Topical depth: Experience with BRI/BRICS/SCO and China’s engagement with the Global South.
• Events: Experience organising and attending high-level events and/or track-2 dialogues.
• Policy engagement: Experience briefing and advising policymakers and diplomats.
• Visualisation: Ability to produce clear and accurate charts.
• Quantitative literacy: Comfortable analysing survey and other structured datasets (weighting, cross-tabs, basic regression) using Stata, R, or Python (or equivalent).
• Survey methods: Experience with questionnaire design, sampling and data cleaning; familiarity with major China-related survey sources is a plus.
• Partnerships: Experience with fundraising and building relationships with philanthropic funders.

How to apply

Please submit the following in a single PDF document by 5 October 2025:

• CV
• One sample of analytical writing (preferably focused on China)

We are committed to equal opportunities and will provide reasonable adjustments on request. A brief written exercise may be part of the selection process before the interview stage.

Freelance work / Internships

We also welcome expressions of interest for project-based freelance work (flexible commitment) and paid internships. If applying for these, please note this in your email subject line.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales
• Industries: Think Tanks

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