Research Associate - Fixed Term

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at Michigan State University, Arizona State University and the University of Florida is seeking applicants for a full-time Post-Doctoral Research Associate annual year position to collaborate on a Department of Defense Minerva grant.  The grant is focused on Chinese economic growth, trade interdependence (particularly in energy trade), and subsequent effects on the United States and global order. Initial work will focus on reviewing the rise of China as a global economic power and US policy concerns about its investments in Africa and other places of strategic interest. Working directly with Dean Cameron Thies, the Research Associate’s duties may include project-related research, project coordination, managing undergraduate research projects and related curricular and co-curricular programs, and working with team members across the three institutions. Position will be based in East Lansing, Michigan with an initial 12-month annual appointment. Renewal up to two additional years may be possible subject to performance and funding availability.

Required Degree

Doctorate -International Relations/International Political Economy 

Minimum Requirements

To receive serious consideration for the position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A PhD in Political Science or cognate social science discipline, with preference given to applicants with research agendas focused on the geopolitics and economics associated with China’s rise in world affairs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of China’s economic and political relations, rising powers more generally, and international relations theory regarding international order
• Strong writing skills, including the demonstrated ability, or the promise thereof, to publish in academic journals.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full time basis 

Desired Qualifications

• Qualitative and/or quantitative analytical skills, including network analysis
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience guiding undergraduate research projects

Required Application Materials

Applications should be submitted electronically through the Michigan State University’s Human Resources application system. The application should include a one-page statement of interest, a CV, and the names, titles, and contact information for three references.

Together-we-will Statement

The university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/

Special Instructions

Applications should be submitted electronically through the Michigan State University Human Resources application system: careers.msu.edu