Wiebke Rabe

University of Bremen is advertising a Research Associate (Postdoc) position in International Relations / International Political Economy with a focus on China . The post is embedded in the project “China’s Raw Materials Empire: Imperial Practices in the Extraction and Processing of Mineral Resources Abroad” , led by Prof. Wiebke Rabe , and linked to the DFG-funded Research Unit “Learning Empire. Autonomy, Dependence, and China’s Emerging Imperial Practices” . The project examines Chinese mineral extraction and processing of cobalt, copper, lithium, and nickel across the Copperbelt , the Lithium Triangle , and Indonesia . The successful candidate will conduct innovative research on Chinese strategies for mineral access and project expansion, as well as the agency of partner countries, contributing to debates on global resource governance, China’s overseas investments, and critical minerals. This is a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral position for 4 years at E13 TV-L . The role includes extended fieldwork in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, document-based research, openness to statistical methods, and active participation in the intellectual life of the research unit. The university highlights a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and offers standard public-sector benefits. Eligibility highlights: a very good PhD in Political Science (final-stage PhD candidates may apply if the doctorate is completed by the start date), a first-class Master’s or equivalent in Political Science or a related field, proven fieldwork experience, strong qualitative methods skills, excellent English, and additional language ability such as Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, or Bahasa Indonesia. Deadline: 2026-05-29. Applications must be submitted in English as a single PDF by unencrypted email to the university’s application address, quoting reference number A084-26.

The University of Bremen is seeking a Research Associate (Postdoc) in International Relations / International Political Economy with a focus on China. This four-year, full-time position is part of the DFG-funded project 'China’s Raw Materials Empire: Imperial Practices in the Extraction and Processing of Mineral Resources Abroad,' led by Prof. Dr. Wiebke Rabe. The project investigates Chinese strategies for mineral extraction and processing (cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel) in the Copperbelt, Lithium Triangle, and Indonesia, exploring both Chinese approaches and the agency of partner countries. The research is embedded within the Research Unit FOR 5913/1 'Learning Empire,' a collaborative initiative across leading German universities, coordinated at Constructor University. The unit studies China’s evolving international practices amid global transitions, offering a rich intellectual environment and tailored support for mid-career researchers. The University of Bremen is renowned for its research activity and external funding, providing a secure and stimulating workplace with a diverse, future-oriented culture. Main responsibilities include conducting innovative research in International Relations and Political Economy, collecting data through fieldwork in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, employing multi-method approaches (including document-based and statistical methods), publishing in top academic journals, and actively participating in the Research Unit’s activities. The position offers annual bonuses, regular salary increases, a supplementary pension scheme, 30 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and access to health and sports facilities. Applicants must have a very good doctoral degree in Political Science (or be near completion), a first-class academic degree in Political Science or a related field, proven fieldwork experience, strong knowledge of China’s global resurgence, qualitative methods, and methodological flexibility. Excellent English proficiency (C1 level) and fluency in relevant languages (Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, Bahasa Indonesia) are required. Applications should include a cover letter, CV with publication list, proof of English proficiency, degree certificates and transcripts, a representative article or thesis chapter, and contact details of two academic referees. For degrees obtained outside the EU, a translation and ZAB evaluation or ANABIN extract is needed. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file by unencrypted email to [email protected], quoting reference number A084-26, by May 29th, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. The University of Bremen is committed to diversity, sustainability, and equal opportunity, welcoming applicants regardless of background. Women and candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Wiebke Rabe (Secretary: Ms Nicole Henze, [email protected]).