Job description
The Lau China Institute in the School of Global Affairs at King’s College, London, exists to conduct research on contemporary China, education (through a successful MSc China and Globalisation degree and over 30 doctoral students) and outreach. It has six academic staff, an international network of collaborations, and undertakes extensive public engagement.
It is now seeking to expand its work and wishes to appoint a postdoctoral research associate for two years in the field of Chinese international investments. A main focus of the role should be on the business and/or political economy dimensions of Chinese outward investments in other parts of the world. Applicants with a specific interest in the impact of Chinese outward foreign direct investments on the Chinese home economy or the political and national security implications of Chinese foreign direct investments in host countries would be especially welcome to apply.
Applicants must hold a doctorate in International Development, International Business, International Economics, International Political Economy, Area Studies or a cognate discipline, with a focus on foreign investment and multinational enterprises. The applicant should have sufficient knowledge and theoretical background on foreign investment and the international operations of multinational enterprises to develop related research proposals and contribute teaching on these topics. They must have an active research agenda, and familiarity with the existing literature and research in the field of foreign investment, preferably with a focus on China. They would need to articulate a strategy during their two years in the position of publishing, teaching and being able to identify, and then apply for, further research funds.
This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 2 years.
This is a full-time post.
Key responsibilities
- Engage in independent and collaborative research to be published as articles, books, and other forms of outputs
- Supervise MSc dissertations in the Lau China Institute
- Contribute teaching to the postgraduate module on Chinese International Investments at the Lau China Institute
- Lead doctoral and master’s seminars in the Lau China Institute
- Identify, and seek to apply for, further research funding
- Contribute to the intellectual life of the department
- Attend and contribute to relevant meetings
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
1. A completed PhD in a relevant area
2. Evidence of high-quality academic research skills and expertise in the field relevant to the job description
3. Demonstrable ability to publish academic articles
4. A strong, forward-looking research plan for the next two years in the field relevant to the job description
5. Excellent analytic and networking skills
6. Good interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships
7. Excellent verbal and written skills in English
Desirable criteria
1. Ability to undertake quantitative and econometric analyses
2. Relevant teaching experience
3. Written and oral Mandarin Chinese
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
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