Postdoctoral Research Associate – 21st Century China Center

University of California, San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center at the School of Global Policy and Strategy invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions starting September 2026. Each is a two-year appointment, with opportunities to join an interdisciplinary community pursuing data-driven research on Chinese politics, society, international relations, and policy.

Successful candidates will have training in political science or related social sciences and a research focus on contemporary China,

Qualifications

• PhD in political science or related social science field.
• Strong research focus on contemporary China, including politics, society or international relations.
• Experience with quantitative or computational methods is required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Center faculty and CDL researchers.
• Develop and publish data-driven research on Chinese politics and policy.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a productive academic community.

Skills

Political Science

Quantitative Methods

Computational Methods

China Studies

Education

PhD in Political Science or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

The 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions beginning September 2026. Each carries an initial two-year appointment and offers the opportunity to join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community engaged in cutting-edge, data-driven research on Chinese politics, society, international relations, and policy.

The Center seeks scholars with strong training in political science or related social science fields whose research focuses on contemporary China. Depending on fit, postdoctoral associates would: 1) work closely with faculty affiliated with the China Data Lab (CDL), supporting quantitative or computational projects on Chinese politics and society, or 2) contribute to the Center’s broader research agenda on China’s international relations, foreign policy, and international political economy. Both roles provide opportunities for collaboration, co-authorship, and mentorship aimed at helping the selected candidates build a strong academic research pipeline.

The positions require a demonstrated research focus on Chinese politics, society, and/or international relations and foreign policy—particularly as they relate to U.S.–China relations—supported by strong training in quantitative, computational, or other rigorous social science methods and clear evidence of high-quality, promising scholarly work on China. Appointees are expected to reside in San Diego during the appointment period, actively engage in the intellectual life of UCSan Diego and its Center, pursue both independent research and collaborative projects with Center faculty, and maintain a firm commitment to producing policy-relevant, publishable academic research.