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The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

The Foreign Policy program at Brookings is the leading center of high-quality, policy-relevant scholarship advancing actionable solutions to the major challenges to international peace and security. Brookings Foreign Policy scholars and staff draw on their deep expertise to engage in in-depth, nonpartisan research and analysis aimed at informing policymakers and the public debate and developing concrete policy recommendations to address the world’s toughest problems.

Position Location:This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

The Foreign Policy program is accepting applications for a Fellow / Senior Fellow position in the John L. Thornton China Center. The Fellow / Senior Fellow’s primary responsibilities will be to conduct original research, analysis, and publishing on China-related policy issues. For this position, Brookings will prioritize applicants whose expertise and research plans focus on China's plans to employ emerging technologies to achieve its national objectives, including as they relate to economic development, emerging technology, and U.S.-China relations. The specific research agenda will be informed by the priorities set by the Foreign Policy program and depend on the scholar’s interests and expertise.

Based on that expertise, the Fellow / Senior Fellow will be expected to produce a substantial body of peer-reviewed policy research and publications, with an emphasis on monographs, books, and other in-depth writing, that contributes to informing decision makers and the public policy ecosystem. The individual will also produce commentaries, policy briefs, and other short publications; will interact with national and international media through interviews and other engagements; and will organize and participate in public and private events, conferences, workshops, and other activities.

The position will be filled at either the Fellow or Senior Fellow level, as determined by the expertise and accomplishments of the candidate and the needs of the Foreign Policy program. Deep expertise on China, gained through a combination of academic training and research and/or policy experience, is a requirement. Brookings will prioritize applicants whose expertise and research plans focus on China’s plans to employ emerging technologies to achieve its national objectives, including as they relate to economic development, emerging technology, and U.S.-China relations.

Collaboration with other Brookings experts on research, publication, and events is expected. The Fellow / Senior Fellow will also engage with current and prospective supporters of Brookings and the Foreign Policy program and will have some responsibility for fundraising.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Expereince Requirements

All applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree; a PhD in economics, political science, international relations, history, regional studies, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Candidates at the Fellow level, in addition to the other qualifications described here, typically will meet at least two of the following minimum qualifications: 1) a PhD or other terminal degree; 2) a minimum five years of professional, policy, or academic work experience related to China; and 3) a record of publication that demonstrates strong empirical research skills and the ability to produce policy-relevant research and analysis on China.

Candidates at the Senior Fellow level, in addition to all other qualifications described here, typically will meet at least two of the following minimum qualifications: 1) a PhD or other terminal degree; 2) significant senior-level experience related to China policy over a multi-year period; and 3) a record of publication in peer-reviewed academic or policy journals over a multi-year period and publication of at least one sole-authored book. Senior Fellow candidates will be able to provide transformative insights across key foreign policy domains, actively inform the intellectual and policy discourse, and serve as recognized authorities in their respective areas of scholarship or policymaking.

All candidates must possess demonstrated knowledge of China and its policy-making processes particularly in the fields of emerging technology, economic development, and/or trade and international relations. This knowledge may be gained through formal academic training, professional experience in government or the private sector, or both. All candidates must articulate a clear and compelling research agenda and must have a proven ability to conduct in-depth, high quality policy research and translate research findings into insightful, innovative, and practical policy recommendations. The Fellow / Senior Fellow must be able to design and undertake issue-focused engagement and outreach strategies with high-profile audiences, in collaboration with staff across the organization. A proven ability to build and develop financial support for the work is preferred. 

Outstanding written and oral communication skills, along with professional fluency in English, are required. The successful candidate must be motivated, flexible, diplomatic, creative, and trustworthy; a team player who participates in FP’s community of scholars and staff; and able to thrive in a fast-paced yet collegial environment.

Salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience, and guided by Brookings’s compensation program.

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.

Applicants must apply via the Brookings website, submitting a full curriculum vitae (CV) complete with a list of publications, and a narrative statement that includes a clear explanation of the applicant’s research interests and priorities for this position. Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.