Research Associate

About the role

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (full-time for 2 years) to join Dr. Yixian Sun’s new research group looking at ‘Sustainability Governance of China’s Global Infrastructure Investments’ (GI4S). This innovative research project is funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. 

This is an exciting opportunity to produce highly impactful research for researchers with a strong interest in environmental governance and sustainable development, and in China’s global engagement. You will join Dr. Sun’s team based in the Department of Social and Policy Science at the University of Bath and will collaborate closely with researchers in the International Development group as well as the Earth System Research Governance Centre at Bath. 

The project will develop an ambitious and innovative research programme to advance understanding of China's global influence. The primary goal of the research is to assess China's efforts to promote green development through its overseas engagement and also investigate the environmental and social impacts of Chinese overseas activities in different host contexts (e.g., Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh). 

You will be responsible for conducting high-quality research through in-depth fieldwork (carried out in collaboration with the project’s international collaborators) and using mixed methods on key topics of the research programme including:

• Initiatives seeking to govern sustainability impacts of Chinese overseas investment
• Social and environmental impacts of China-financed infrastructure projects
• Host countries’ policies to attract China’s green investment and its impacts

As a member of the Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged and expected to take up to a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis for two years with an expected start date of 01/08/2024.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Hold a PhD degree in a relevant social science subject area such as International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, and Public Policy.
• Have a strong research interest in environmental politics and governance and/or China’s overseas development programme.
• Possess good qualitative and/or quantitative skills.
• Have conducted field research in Asia (especially China and/or South or Southeast Asia).
• Offer excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Be self-motivated.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Dr Yixian Sun (ys2327@bath.ac.uk).

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