Research Assistant

Job Description

The Belfer Center seeks a Research Assistant to support Graham Allison, the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Belfer Center’s Avoiding Great Power War Project, in conducting in-depth research on China-related topics, focused on Chinese domestic politics, Chinese foreign policy, and US-China relations.

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. In 2021, the Belfer Center was named a “Center of Excellence” by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program, in recognition of the Center’s six consecutive years as the world’s #1 university-affiliated think tank.

The Center has a dual mission: (1) to provide leadership in advancing policy‑relevant knowledge about the most important challenges of international security and other critical issues where science, technology, environmental policy, and international affairs intersect; and (2) to prepare future generations of leaders for these arenas.

We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive organization is central to our ability to achieve our mission. It is our goal to promote historically underrepresented groups within our organization and within the fields of science and international affairs.

• Conducting research on China‑related topics and producing in‑depth analytic memos, eventually building deep expertise in their areas of responsibility.
• Contributing to internal and external publications such as research reports, op‑eds, academic articles, and book chapters.
• Planning and conducting research for high‑level events, including private working groups and large public events; includes managing the planning and research related to the Belfer Center’s China Working Group.
• Other related job duties, as required.

• Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with two years of related work experience (internships will count toward experience)
• Mandarin proficiency

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, though we will consider candidates who have a bachelor’s degree with extraordinary academic or professional credentials.
• 2+ years of China‑related work or research experience preferred.
• Advanced Mandarin (reading, writing, speaking) highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, current international security issues, research methods, and basic quantitative techniques. Relevant coursework will count toward experience.
• Experience living/studying/working in Mainland China highly preferred.
• Significant knowledge of, and interest in, current international security issues.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Basic quantitative proficiency.
  
  Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision under tight deadlines.

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits‑eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with the possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hours per week
• 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. The team works 3 days/week on campus (M,Tu, Wed) with the option for 2 days/week remote (Thu, Fri)

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…