Senior Research Associate, Avoiding Great Power War Project

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Wellbeing resources

Retirement plans

Commuter benefits

Campus perks

Job summary

Harvard University’s Belfer Center seeks a Senior Research Associate to support and partner with Professor Graham Allison on the Avoiding Great Power War Project. The role focuses on strategy development, research on U.S.-China relations, technology competition, and organizing events with senior officials.

The candidate will publish research outputs and collaborate with communications to maximize reach, with an on-campus/hybrid arrangement in Cambridge, MA.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. is required.
• 3+ years related work experience that includes research and publication.
• Professional fluency (written and spoken) in Mandarin Chinese required.

Responsibilities

• Support and partner with Professor Allison to develop strategy and conceptualize core aspects of the research and convening agenda.
• Research and publish on the U.S.-China relation, tech competition, and geopolitics.
• Organize academic year speaker events for the Project and publish research outputs.
• Collaborate with the Belfer communications team to publicize research outputs.

Skills

Mandarin Chinese

Research & publication

Written & spoken communication

Event planning

Strategic thinking

Education

Ph.D.

Job description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting‑edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

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. Including, but not limited to:

• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• 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.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• 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.

• Appointment End Date:This is a fully benefits‑eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with the possibility of renewal.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:This is an in‑person/on campus position based in Cambridge, MA, with possible flexible work options.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.