Postdoctoral Research Associate – 21st Center

Position Overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar Employee

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $69,073 - $71,632.

The posted UC academic salary scales https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step  the following table for the salary scale for this position https://.

“Off‑scale salaries”, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system‑wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Open date: December 23, 2025

Most recent review date: Friday, Jan 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Saturday, Dec 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions beginning September 2026. Each carries an initial two‑year appointment and offers the opportunity to join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community engaged in cutting‑edge, data‑driven research on Chinese politics, society, international relations, and policy.

The Center seeks scholars with strong training in political science or related social science fields whose research focuses on contemporary China. Depending on fit, postdoctoral associates would:
1) work closely with faculty affiliated with the China Data Lab (CDL), supporting quantitative or computational projects on Chinese politics and society, or
2) contribute to the Center’s broader research agenda on China’s international relations, foreign policy, and international political economy. Both roles provide opportunities for collaboration, co‑authorship, and mentorship aimed at helping the selected candidates build a strong academic research pipeline.

The positions require a demonstrated research focus on Chinese politics, society, and/or international relations and foreign policy—particularly as they relate to U.S.–China relations—supported by strong training in quantitative, computational, or other rigorous social science methods and clear evidence of high‑quality, promising scholarly work on China. Appointees are expected to reside in San Diego during the appointment period, actively engage in the intellectual life of UC San Diego and its Center, pursue both independent research and collaborative projects with Center faculty, and maintain a firm commitment to producing policy‑relevant, publishable academic research.

Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. or ABD in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Sociology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related social science discipline.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research and Teaching
• Research Paper – A dissertation chapter or a substantial research paper.
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts
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