Research Assistant/Associate

Applications are invited for a position of Research Assistant in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University. The Research Assistant will work with Dr Chenchen Zhang on an externally funded project on the instrumentalization of anticolonial and decolonial discourse in Asia and beyond. The project is conducted in collaboration with Prof Srirupa Roy at the University of Göttingen and will involve joint workshops and collaborative activities across partner institutions. The Durham-based research team will focus on the use of anticolonial and anti-imperialist discourse in authoritarian and conservative nationalism in contemporary China. The postholder will contribute to the development of the project’s research agenda and support the delivery of outputs and events. Candidates must reside in the UK and have the right to work in the UK. We are open to accommodating flexible working arrangements for this position, including remote working, job-sharing, or compressed working hours. Current postgraduate students or recent graduates with strong research skills are encouraged to apply. For informal questions about the position, candidates can reach out to Dr Chenchen Zhang via email at [email protected]. Key Responsibilities · Undertake assigned research tasks in relation to the identification, management, and analysis of relevant data · Support the planning and organisation of project activities, including workshops · Support dissemination activities, such as a project website or other online presence, where appropriate Essential Requirements · An undergraduate degree in politics, international relations, sociology, media studies, gender studies, Chinese studies, or a related field · Strong research and analytical skills · Excellent written and verbal communication skills · Advanced reading knowledge of Chinese Desirable Requirements · Research interest and experience in one or more of the following areas: nationalism and ideology; postcolonial or decolonial theory; China studies; political discourse · Experience in organising events or supporting project activities · Experience with website or digital content management How to apply Applications must be submitted through our e-recruitment system, by the deadline on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. They should include (a) a CV, (b) a cover letter addressing how candidates’ knowledge, experience, ad skills meet (or have the potential to meet) the requirements above, and (c) transcripts of records. Apply To This Job