Georg-August-Universität Göttingen is recruiting a PhD Research Fellow to join the interdisciplinary project “Mapping China Economic Diplomacy (ChiED)”. The position (75% of TV-L E13; approx. 29.15 hours/week) runs for three years with a possible extension and a flexible start date no later than April 2026. The Fellow will contribute to cutting-edge, data-driven research on China global economic statecraft across trade, investment, and aid while developing an original PhD dissertation aligned with the project goals.
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen PhD Research Fellow (ChiED) Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Hiring Institution |
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen |
Project |
Mapping China Economic Diplomacy (ChiED) |
Position |
PhD Research Fellow (all genders welcome) |
Grade & Workload |
TV-L E13 (75% FTE), ~29.15 hrs/week |
Duration |
3 years, with possibility of renewal |
Start Date |
Flexible, no later than April 2026 |
Application Deadline |
14 November 2025 |
Core Focus |
Data-driven analysis of China economic diplomacy (trade, investment, aid) |
Supervision |
Faculty from International Economic Policy & Development Economics/Global Political Economy |
Official Site Link |
About the Project: Mapping China Economic Diplomacy (ChiED)
ChiED investigates how China deploys trade, investment, finance, and development cooperation within its broader diplomatic strategy. It explores how these policy tools shape partner-country outcomes and the international system. Combining international economics, development studies, and political economy, the project builds innovative datasets that map China global engagements over time and space. Collaborations with leading institutions in China (e.g., Beijing and Nanjing) enable rich academic exchange and access to unique data sources, positioning the project to produce high-impact scholarship and policy-relevant insights.
Role Overview
The PhD Research Fellow will be embedded in the ChiED team and jointly supervised by faculty from the Chair of International Economic Policy and the Chair of Development Economics & Global Political Economy. The Fellow will:
- Co-develop and maintain novel databases on China economic diplomacy.
- Conduct independent and collaborative empirical research using modern econometric methods.
- Present results at workshops and conferences; prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
- Support light teaching/supervision of Bachelor/Master theses aligned with the project themes.
- Contribute to project coordination and dissemination to academic and policy audiences.
- Design and deliver a doctoral dissertation that advances the ChiED research agenda.
Key Responsibilities
1) Data & Infrastructure
- Build, curate, and document two flagship datasets (e.g., Chinese Aid Explorer; China Trade & Diplomacy Database).
- Ensure data quality via transparent coding, reproducible workflows, and version control.
- Integrate administrative, open-source, and partner-provided data across countries and years.
2) Empirical Research
- Employ panel-data econometrics, causal inference (DiD, event studies, IV), and robustness checks.
- Link micro- and macro-level indicators to analyze transmission channels (trade, FDI, finance, infrastructure).
- Produce working papers, policy briefs, and journal submissions.
3) Teaching, Supervision & Dissemination
- Support thesis supervision in related fields (international economic policy, development economics).
- Present results at international conferences; engage with policy fora and stakeholder workshops.
- Contribute to public-facing outputs that translate research into accessible insights.
4) Project Coordination
- Assist with partner liaison, event organisation, reporting, and light administrative tasks.
- Uphold ethical standards, data protection, and open-science practices.
Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications
- Master degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Development Studies, Political Economy, or a closely related field.
- Strong training in quantitative/econometric methods with an overall grade of “good” or better.
- Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python for empirical work and data management.
- Excellent English (C1) for academic writing, presentations, and collaboration.
Desirable Competencies
- Working knowledge of German, Chinese, or another major language.
- Familiarity with topics such as international trade, foreign aid, FDI, infrastructure finance, or China global economic engagement.
- Analytical rigor, curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Interest in bridging research and policy, including communicating results beyond academia.
What the University Offers
- A vibrant, international research environment with strong networks across Europe and Asia.
- Access to exclusive datasets, high-quality research infrastructure, and methodological training.
- Opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops, and exchange programs.
- Professional development in data management, policy communication, and open-science tools.
- Integration into an interdisciplinary community committed to rigorous, globally relevant scholarship.
Equality, Inclusion, and Work–Life Balance
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen is an equal-opportunities employer and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from under-represented groups. Applicants with disabilities and equivalent qualifications will receive preferential consideration. The University is recognised as family-friendly and supports flexible arrangements that help balance professional and personal responsibilities.
How to Apply (Deadline: 14 November 2025)
Submit a single PDF (max. 10 MB) by 14 November 2025 including:
- Cover Letter detailing motivation, fit with ChiED, and proposed PhD research interests.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publications/working papers (if any).
- Degree Certificates & Transcripts (Bachelor and Master).
- Contact details of two academic referees (no letters needed at submission unless requested).
- (Optional) Language certificates, methods short courses, or relevant publications.
Send your application electronically to the relevant Chairs at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. For academic questions, you may contact the project faculty leads (e.g., Prof. Dr. Krisztina Kis-Katos / Prof. Dr. Andreas Fuchs) via their University email addresses.
Selection Tips (to Strengthen Your Application)
- Anchor your proposal to ChiED agenda: e.g., identify a tractable question on trade, finance, or aid channels and sketch a preliminary identification strategy.
- Provide evidence of coding/econometrics skills (GitHub/OSF links, replication packages, thesis appendix).
- Demonstrate data stewardship (documentation, version control, reproducibility).
- Show awareness of policy relevance and how your work could inform decision-makers.
- Highlight language assets (Chinese/German/other) and prior experience with Asia-related data or fieldwork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is this a fully funded PhD position?
The contract is TV-L E13 (75%) for three years (with possible extension). This is a paid research position that supports your PhD studies at Göttingen.
Q2. Do I need to arrive in Germany before April 2026?
Yes. The start date is flexible but must be no later than April 2026 to align with project milestones.
Q3. Must my Master degree be in Economics?
Economics is ideal, but closely related fields (Development Studies, Political Economy, Quantitative Social Sciences) are welcome if you demonstrate strong econometric and coding skills.
Q4. How much teaching is required?
Teaching/supervision duties are light and aligned with the project thematic areas; the focus remains on research and dissertation progress.
Q5. Do I need Chinese or German language skills?
Not mandatory; however, Chinese (for data/context) and/or German (for institutional life) are advantageous.
Conclusion
This PhD Research Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to combine high-calibre academic training with policy-relevant, data-intensive research on one of the most consequential topics in global political economy: China economic diplomacy. If you bring strong quantitative skills, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to rigorous, open, and impactful research, submit your application by 14 November 2025 and join Göttingen international research community.
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