Job description

The Lau China Institute in the School of Global Affairs at King’s College, London, exists for the research on contemporary China, education (through a successful Master of 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 China and mental health. This would be a multi-disciplinary role, and would focus on the research, and broader understanding, of common perceptions of mental health between China and the outside world. The position would involve liaising with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, although the applicant could be from a social science background rather than necessarily a natural science or medical background. The key aim is to identify synergies between the Chinese contemporary understanding of the challenges of mental health, and those of the UK, US, and more widely.

The applicant would need to have completed a doctorate in a relevant field and be seeking to develop an academic career. 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 research funds. 

Key responsibilities

• working with the Lau Institute director and academic staff, and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience to articulate a research framework and identity a network relevant to research and study of mental health in the UK and China.
• to participate in teaching relevant to the Postgraduate Masters in China and Globalisation
• publishing in high-quality peer-reviewed social science or medical journals 
• leading doctoral and Masters seminars in the Lau China Institute. 
• identifying, and seeking to apply, for research funding.
• carry out all research methods to consistent and high standards 
• contribute to the intellectual life of the department
• attend and contribute to relevant meetings
• undertake periods of travel for fieldwork within China 

 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.

Further information

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 1 year.

This is a full-time post.

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.

This advertisement does not meet the requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship under Home Office regulations and therefore the university will not be able to offer sponsorship for this role.