Assistant Professor in Politics and International Studies; East Asia;

Assistant Professor in Politics and International Studies (East Asia) )

Location:

University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department:
Politics & International Studies

Position Type:
Permanent

Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 per annum

Informal queries: contact Professor Shaun Breslin at

Applications are invited for an indefinite Assistant Professorship in Politics and International Studies (East Asia) in the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) at the University of Warwick, starting at the beginning of the academic year 2026‑27. The appointment will be made at FA7 of the University of Warwick salary scale.

PAIS hosts a community of scholars dedicated to the study of the politics, political economy, and international relations of the East and Southeast Asian region. We seek an outstanding researcher and educator who can either enhance our current teaching and research strengths or introduce new areas of expertise. Potential areas of focus include:
Chinese politics, foreign policy and regional relations;
East/Southeast Asian security; territorial and maritime politics; great power competition; regional institution building;
East/Southeast Asian political economy; environment and energy security; gender; borders and migration; colonialism, decolonisation, race, empire, and post‑colonial politics in East/Southeast Asia and beyond.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong research trajectory and the ability to contribute to high‑quality teaching across our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. They will be expected to develop and deliver modules on Chinese and/or East/Southeast Asian politics and international relations, and to supervise student dissertations and research projects focused on the region and its constituent countries. Candidates whose work brings innovative theoretical, methodological, or interdisciplinary perspectives to the study of East Asia are particularly encouraged to apply.

They will join one or more of PAIS’s research clusters (International Relations and Security, International Political Economy, Comparative Politics, Environmental Politics and Political Theory) and will also benefit from engagement with our longstanding East Asia Study Group. We are a methodologically pluralist department and welcome all different approaches to the study of the politics of East and Southeast Asia.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of producing high‑quality, nationally recognised outputs and will show clear progress towards an internationally excellent research profile. They will be expected to produce high‑quality research outputs in leading journals and presses, pursue competitive bids for external research funding, and demonstrate a commitment to generating impact beyond the academy.

They will be expected to design and teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules related to the East Asian region and Chinese politics and international relations, and will have the opportunity to help shape our curriculum by offering modules in their research specialism. They will also support the supervision of dissertations at UG and PGT levels.

They will demonstrate a track record of, or reflective engagement with, advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace, including efforts to promote gender and racial equality. A demonstrable commitment to inclusive teaching practices—particularly in relation to supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, those with disabilities, and the implementation of reasonable adjustments—is essential. Experience with decolonising the curriculum and anti‑racist, intersectional, or other critical pedagogical approaches is highly desirable.

• Include a CV.
• Include a cover letter no longer than three pages outlining:
  • How you meet the essential and desirable criteria using clear examples.
  • Your teaching expertise and interests.
  • Research objectives and aspirations.
  • Details on how you will attract funding.
  • What makes your research distinctive and how you would develop collaborations within PAIS and externally.
• Include a copy of your best publication in the last five years.

• Interview Date: To be confirmed.
• Start Date: 1 September 2026.

• Attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Living Wage employer.