Research Assistant

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on China‑related topics and produce in‑depth analytic memos, building deep expertise in the areas of responsibility.
• Contribute to internal and external publications such as research reports, op‑eds, academic articles, and book chapters.
• Plan and conduct research for high‑level events, including private working groups and large public events; manage the planning and research related to the Belfer Center’s China Working Group.
• Complete other related duties as required.

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

• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred; bachelor’s degree with extraordinary academic or professional credentials also considered.
• 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.
• Experience living, studying, or working in Mainland China highly preferred.
• Significant knowledge 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:
  Fully benefits‑eligible term appointment ending one year from hire with possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship:
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑Employment Screening:
  Identity, Education.
• Other Information:
  In‑person/on‑campus position based in Cambridge, MA; team works 3 days per week on campus (Monday–Wednesday) with option for 2 days per week remote (Thursday, Friday).

This position is salary grade level 053. Refer to Harvard’s salary ranges for details.

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.