Careers

The ‘Learning Empire‘ Research Unit aims to create a vibrant intellectual community for studying China’s global impact, with a particular focus on training and supporting the next generation of China scholars.

We do this through a structured doctoral training, including joint supervision across projects and a mentoring scheme. The program emphasizes the development of transferable academic skills, research practices, and integration into the group’s shared intellectual and methodological framework. This is complemented by a dedicated workshop program, writing retreats, and active participation in collaborative events, fostering both professional development and a strong interdisciplinary research community.

Discover current job opportunities within the Learning Empire project. We regularly advertise positions across our research network—find all openings and application details below:

PhD Position in International Relations/International Political Economy with China focus (m/f/d) in the “Ideology of Empire: China’s Ideational Binding Practices in Global Governance” research project (PI: Prof. Dr. Matthew Stephen) | DL: 30 June 2026

Data Analyst in Collaborative Research Project (Political Science) with China focus (m/f/d) in the “Learning Empire: Autonomy, Dependence, and China’s Emerging Imperial Practices” Research Unit (cross-project) | DL: 26 June 2026

PhD Position in International Relations/International Political Economy with China focus (m/f/d) in the “Financial Empire China’s Construction of an Alternative Financial System” research project (PI: Dr. Johannes Petry) | DL: 20 June 2026

PhD Position in International Relations/International Political Economy with China focus (m/f/d) in the “Volumetric Empire Autonomy and Dependence in Chinese Space Infrastructure Exports” research project (PI: Dr. Nadine Godehardt) | DL: 17 June 2026

Postdoctoral Position in International Relations/International Political Economy with China focus (m/f/d) in the “Raw Materials Empire Imperial Practices in Overseas Mineral Extraction and Processing” research project (PI: Prof. Wiebke Rabe) | DL: 29 May 2026

PhD Position in International Relations/International Political Economy with China focus (m/f/d) in the “Economic Empire. Peripheralization along Chinese-led Green Value Chains” research project (PI: Prof. Tobias ten Brink) | DL: 20 May 2026