Postdoctoral Scholar – Chinese Firms Going Global (2026–27) Full-time

Postdoctoral Scholar

The China Institute at the University of Alberta is Canada's only established, multi-disciplinary think tank and research centre focusing solely on China studies. The Institute strives to generate and disseminate knowledge that supports in-depth understanding of today's China and encourages policy development in response to China's evolving role in the world.

Job Description

This position has an initial appointment of 12 months. Location – The posting is expected to be primarily in-person at North Campus, Edmonton, with some flexibility possible depending on project needs. The China Institute (TCI), University of Alberta, invites applications for a one-year Postdoctoral Scholar (12 months) focused on Chinese firms going global—including outward foreign direct investment (OFDI), global value chains, cross-border innovation, industrial policy abroad, regulatory compliance, and the evolving political economy of Chinese multinational expansion.

Responsibilities

Research theme: Chinese firms going global. We welcome projects that examine how and why Chinese firms internationalize, and what that means for global business, governance, and policy. Topics may include (but are not limited to): Strategies and constraints shaping OFDI, M&A, and greenfield investment; Global value-chain upgrading, supply-chain resilience, and industrial ecosystems; Technology, data governance, standards, and cross-border innovation networks; Party-state influence, corporate governance, finance, and political risk; Trade controls, sanctions, export controls, and regulatory compliance; ESG, labour, environmental governance, and corporate responsibility abroad; Regional comparisons (ASEAN, EU, Africa, Latin America, Canada/US) and sectoral studies (EVs, mining, telecom, digital platforms, clean tech). Methodological approaches may include qualitative fieldwork, interviews, archival work, mixed methods, firm-level datasets, text analysis, network analysis, or comparative political economy.

Expectations

The Postdoctoral Scholar will: Conduct an independent research project aligned with the theme and produce outputs suitable for peer-reviewed publication; Present work-in-progress in an internal workshop and deliver at least one public-facing talk; Contribute actively to The China Institute research activities (e.g., policy briefs, media background briefs, background memos, workshops, convenings); Participate in the intellectual life of the Institute and collaborate with affiliated faculty and partners as appropriate.

Qualifications

Required: PhD (or completion by start date) in a relevant discipline (business, economics, political science, sociology, geography, law, public policy, area studies, etc.); Research record and clear potential for publication; Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment; Strong writing skills in English; Strong communication skills. Preferred: Demonstrated expertise related to Chinese firms' internationalization; Mandarin Chinese proficiency appropriate to the proposed research (e.g., interviews, documents, media sources); Experience with policy-relevant writing and knowledge mobilization.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” to submit the following in a single PDF document: Cover letter (1–2 pages): fit with theme, brief statement of research agenda, and why TCI/UAlberta; CV; Research proposal (max 5 pages, double-spaced) including: question, contribution, methods/data, feasibility in 12 months, and planned outputs; Writing sample (article manuscript, dissertation chapter, or published work); And arrange: Two or three letters of reference ciuajobs@ualberta.ca.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package. The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.