The Global China Initiative (GCI) advances policy-oriented research on China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with international institutions in order to enable financial stability, human well-being and environmental sustainability. GCI research is streamlined into four areas of focus: data analysis for transparency and accountability (DATA); forestry, agriculture, Indigenous rights and the Belt and Road Initiative (FAIR-BRI); energy and climate; and China and the international economic order.

The Global China Fellows recruits and supports Pre- and Post-doctoral fellows from around the world to engage in policy-oriented research and commentary on China’s role in shaping global affairs. In addition to receiving support for their research, fellows contribute to GCI research projects, public research seminars and policy engagement.

Applicant qualifications include:
– Enrolled in or graduated from a PhD program. The GDP Center will accept applications from all disciplines, especially the natural and social sciences, engineering and business.
– Strong research interest in one or more of the GCI areas of focus
– Quantitative and/or qualitative methodological expertise
– Experience in priority geographical regions of interest, in addition to China, such as Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Fluency in Mandarin or a language from one of these regions is preferred.
– Experience in the relationship between China’s overseas engagement and the following issues is most preferred:
-Energy and Climate Change
-Biodiversity and Indigenous lands
-International Economic Institutions

The majority of the fellowships will be awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year. Fellows will receive a competitive stipend and modest funding for data collection and/or fieldwork and potentially be eligible for reimbursement for relocation expenses. Fellows are expected to complete their fellowship in-person at the GDP Center’s offices at Boston University.

Interested applicants should send the following to Lin Zhu (lindz@bu.edu) with the subject line “<<Name>> GCI Fellow Application 2024-2025″:

A cover letter that demonstrates interest and experience in GCI-related research.
A current curriculum vitae.
Contact information for two references.
Please send your application materials in PDF format and name your attachments with [LastName, FirstName, Document Type (CV/Cover Letter)].

Applicants will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until December 15, 2023. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Due to the volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For International candidates: International candidates will need express approval from their sponsoring institution stating that the potential fellow is allowed to earn income from another institution. This is especially important for international students with J-1 visas. Note: If you do not currently have a valid US scholar visa, certain research positions at Boston University qualify for immigration sponsorship. Prospective scholars should first establish their potential affiliation with the GDP Center as a pre- or post-doctoral fellow and clarify the terms of their appointment. BU’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will work with the prospective scholar and the GDP Center to evaluate which immigration classification is most appropriate. The ISSO will consider various factors such as the appointment/affiliation terms, the scholar’s educational achievements and US immigration history.

Learn more at https://www.bu.edu/gdp/2021/10/22/now-accepting-pre-and-post-doctoral-fellow-applications-for-global-china-initiative-fellowship-program/