Oxford China Policy Lab

Programme Associate (Research)

We are looking to hire a Programme Associate with a focus on research and communications who will play a critical role in OCPL’s continued growth. We are interested in candidates from a range of disciplines, who have excellent written communication, research, and project management skills as well as a demonstrated ability to operate across disciplines and sectors. This role would offer access to a broad network of experts, as well as potential research and travel opportunities.

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Job Title: OCPL Programme Associate (Research)

Commitment: Part time (20 hours/week) for 1 year, with the possibility of contract extension and/or expansion to full time role with increased program management responsibilities

Compensation: £18-24/Hour (depending on candidate experience)

Location: Oxford, UK

Application Deadline: Rolling

Job Description: The Programme Associate (Research) will work closely with OCPL’s directors and will be responsible for helping OCPL conduct research and written projects at the intersection of US-China relations and emerging technology policy, with primary responsibilities centred around public engagement and research support. Within the team, they will conduct the following activities:

Writing

  • Create and edit content for the OCPL newsletter

  • Draft policy memos and briefing papers for internal and external audiences

  • Edit and fact-check publications before release

Public engagement

  • Manage website content and activity

  • Provide support for social media content 

  • Develop multimedia content including infographics, policy briefs, and explainer videos

  • Prepare team for interviews on topics of interest

Research* 

  • Conduct research for organizational projects, including literature reviews and policy analysis

  • Support Executive Director on select research initiatives

  • Develop and maintain databases on key topics 

  • Monitor and analyze US, China, and emerging technology related policy developments, when relevant

  • Support Chief of Staff in managing research workstreams and timelines 

*These responsibilities are dependent on the availability and expertise of the selected candidate.

Who might thrive in this role: 

  • Excited to drive research within a growing organisation and contribute to its vision

  • Possesses excellent analytical judgement when synthesizing complex policy trends

  • Adept at prioritizing between competing deadlines for publications, briefings, and public engagement activities

  • Detail-oriented researcher, with the ability to maintain quality in fast-paced environments

  • Excellent written and verbal communicator, capable of translating complex research into accessible content for diverse audiences

  • Entrepreneurial and self-directed, a team player always ready to work with others when necessary

  • Committed to intellectual rigour and using research to make a positive impact on the world

Required:

  • Strong research background with demonstrated experience in policy analysis, academic research, and data collection

  • Strong written communication skills

  • Proven ability to monitor and analyze policy developments across multiple jurisdictions

  • Mastery of professional interpersonal skills conducive to cultivating a supportive and healthy internal working atmosphere

  • Experience managing social and/or traditional media

Preferred:

  • Based in Oxford, UK

  • Mandarin or other language skills 

  • Deep area expertise – China, Taiwan, UK, or other key countries

  • Technical and/or policy understanding of critical emerging technologies

  • Experience with grant writing and funding applications

We Offer:

  • Exposure to policy practitioners and leading academics

  • Top-tier networking and mentorship opportunities 

  • Language and professional development support budget

  • Local travel expense coverage

  • Possible career growth opportunities based on performance and organisational development

If you are interested in joining our team, please submit the following form. Please include specifics regarding your availability and whether you are most interested in a full-time or part-time version of this role. 

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Note: We are open to considering a range of backgrounds, levels of seniority, and role structures. If in doubt, we encourage you to apply and specify your strengths, interests, and role preferences in detail in the application form.