Senior/Lead Analyst (f/m/d) for Chinese Politics and Society

Since its foundation in 2013, the Mercator Institute of China Studies (MERICS) has established itself as the leading European think tank on China. Employing more than 35 full-time staff from all over Europe, MERICS is currently the largest European institute focusing solely on analysing contemporary China. With its headquarters in Berlin and an office in Brussels, the institute is regularly at the forefront of European and international public and expert debates on China.  

MERICS has an established track record in analysing China’s political system, including CCP institutions and personnel, ideology and political discourse, as well as public policy, laws and regulations. We strive to understand and provide relevant insights into China’s leadership dynamics, political direction, policy implementation and socio-economic development, as well as the implications for stakeholders abroad. The institute will expand its research portfolio on related topics in the coming months and, therefore, wishes to hire a

Senior/Lead Analyst (m/f/d) for Chinese Politics and Society

as soon as possible. In this role, you will be part of the  Chinese Politics and Society team, working closely with the Head of Program and under the overall direction of the institute’s Executive Team.
 

Responsibilities

Research 

• You will conceptualize and conduct original research that contributes to MERICS cutting-edge analyses on China’s party state, elite politics and governance system.
• You will monitor policy developments, analyse open-source data and help develop new research methods and approaches to assess China’s political and social trajectory. 
• You will contribute to regular MERICS publications as well as special reports on China’s political development and their relevance for Europe.

Project development and managerial tasks

• You will design and manage research projects and coordinate with colleagues, funders and partner organisations. You will be responsible for project-related fundraising and the delivery of externally funded projects. 
• You will guide and mentor junior colleagues and interns on team and project work.
• As a Lead Analyst, you will shape and coordinate MERICS agenda and external visibility on an issue area related to your core expertise.

Outreach

• As a Lead Analyst, you will build a strong public profile around your core expertise, proactively building up networks with a variety of stakeholders.
• You will serve as an expert commentator in the media and engage in public outreach through presentations, talks, op-eds and other outlets.
• You will participate in meetings with policy makers and other public and private sector decision makers.

Requirements

• You have strong and wide-ranging knowledge of China’s political structures, institutions, key personnel, regulatory environment and policy implementation and are experienced in working with a range of original language sources. 
• You have a graduate degree in China Studies / Sinology, political science, law or related fields, with a strong focus on domestic politics. Experience in building data sets and data-driven, quantitative research is an asset. 
• You have a native or near-native command of English and a fluent command of Chinese (HSK 6 or equivalent). A good command of another European language is an asset.  
• You are highly competent in designing research projects, independently conducting research and leading others to produce high quality outputs. 
• You have an established track-record of publications on relevant topics and can communicate research findings to a non-expert audience.
• You have a minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience, including in fundraising and implementation of research projects.
• You are experienced in public speaking and other aspects of stakeholder engagement, including media interviews, exchanges with policymakers and preparing briefs and presentations in short time frames.
• You are flexible and able to manage a variety of tasks. You are willing to take on responsibility and work as part of a dynamic research team.

MERICS offers a flexible and stimulating work environment in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and international team. The position will be based in Berlin, with a competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications) and excellent benefits.

This is a full-time position. You will be hired initially on a two-year contract, with a probationary period of six months and a commitment to make your position permanent.

If you are interested in becoming part of our team, please submit your application by November 14, 2024, in one PDF document containing a motivation letter, CV, and contact information of two referees. 

Your application should be addressed to MERICS Head of Politics and Society program Katja Drinhausen and sent by e-mail to Ms Eleonora Franzo at [email protected].