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 migration. A main focus of the role should be on internal population movement, and the political, social, institutional and/or economic factors which shape such movement and its outcomes. Those conducting comparative migration research would be especially welcome to apply.

Applicants must hold a doctorate in International Development, Politics, Geography, Sociology, Area Studies or a cognate discipline, with a strong focus on migration studies. The applicant should have sufficient knowledge and theoretical background on the paradigms, institutions and processes of migration and development 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 migration and development as it relates to 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.

At King's, we are deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities so that the university is an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work and study, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. King's offers inclusive benefits to staff including flexible working, Enhanced Parental Leave, funds for Parents and Carers and the potential to join community staff networks.

Contract
This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 2 years
This is a full-time post

Key responsibilities

• To work with the Lau Institute director and academic staff, and with other stakeholders, to articulate a research framework and identity a network relevant to research and study of migration issues in China.
• To engage in independent and collaborative research to be published as articles, books, and other forms of outputs;
• To participate in teaching relevant to the Lau China Institute and related programmes
• To publish in high-quality peer-reviewed social science journals
• To lead doctoral and Masters seminars in the Lau China Institute
• To identify, and seek to apply for, further research funding
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the department
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings
• Undertake periods of travel for fieldwork

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

• A PhD awarded in a relevant area of social science and China
• The ability to demonstrate the aptitude to publish relevant material in their field.
• Excellent analytic and fieldwork skills
• A desire and capacity to communicate effectively with, and influence, wider research, business, NGO and policy communities
• Good interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English

Desirable criteria

• Verbal and written skills in Mandarin Chinese
• Teaching experience within the relevant area of China and Migration

*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.