Adjunct Research Associate of Economics (Part-time)

The part-time research position is offered in the context of the Container Haven project, a four-year research collaboration between the University of Antwerp, NYU Shanghai and the Universidad Rosario de Colombia, aimed at unpacking the social and environmental challenges of some of the largest container ports in the world. Along with Antwerp, Los Angeles, Tanger and Buenaventura, the port of Shanghai has been identified as a hub of global trade, and therefore selected for an in-depth analysis.

The adjunct research associate will work closely with the multi-disciplinary team (lawyers, economists, geographers) and in particular with Peter Kimani, a PhD student in law at the University of Antwerp who will be realizing a three months stay in Shanghai in 2025. The research position will initially last one year, with the possibility of one extra year. As discussed below, it combines on the ground and research work.

The main responsibilities include:

On-the-ground tasks

Stakeholder Communication and Engagement:

• The researcher will be responsible for establishing initial communication channels with key stakeholders, including workers unions, corporate organizations involved in port and logistics activities, government officials, industry leaders, and academic collaborators.
• This will involve facilitating discussions and collaborations with these stakeholders to ensure the integration of their insights and perspectives into the research process, particularly regarding regulatory frameworks, labour practices, and the impacts of technological and green transition.
• Preparation of a short document for the researcher.

Organizing Meetings with Stakeholders and Interviews:

• Organization, participation and transcription for at least 10 semi-structured interviews;
• Organization, participation and transcription for one multi-stakeholder workshop;
• Suggestions for a policy brief;
• Following up with participants to interviews and multistakeholder event.

Research related tasks

Role of ports in co-creation of regulatory framework:

• Legal mapping: The researcher will assist in analysing and mapping ports related laws and regulatory aspects, including labour laws and policies relevant to port and logistics sectors.
• Legal mapping: This includes aspects of how ports and logistics sectors are engaging in the co-creation of regulatory frameworks that govern their operations.
• Preparation of a short document for the researcher and an online folder with all the material.

Role of ports in the green transition:

• State of the art: The researcher will assist in investigating the link between green transition and participatory democratic approaches to socioeconomic organisation, particularly within the context of green transitions in the ports and logistics sectors.
• 1 Mapping: The researcher will investigate who is involved (or not) in the green transitions in the ports and logistics sectors;

2 Maps of the port areas: The researcher will assist in collaboration with other people to draw the port (trying to do a sort of social cartography, of where port work is located).

• Preparation of a short document for the researcher and an online folder with all the material.

Academic output

At least one 8000-10000 academic article (to be co-authored with the researcher(s)) on a specific topic that arises from the work conducted during the 2 years, at a stage where it can be published.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field (law, economics, finance, geography, political economy) is required.

Required Experience & Knowldege

• Experience in conducting qualitative research (participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, workshops, etc.) is preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge in environmental law, Chinese trade policy or political economy is preferred;
• Knowledge of the history of the port of Shanghai is preferred;
• Very good knowledge of Chinese (written and spoken) is essential;
• Good English writing skills (blog posts, short reflections, etc.) are preferred;
• Organizing capacities (workshops, interviews, etc.) are preferred.

The applicants need to submit a CV and 500 word motivation document. The deadline for applications is December 13, 2024 and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

NYU Shanghai is China’s first Sino-US research university and the third degree-granting campus of the NYU Global Network. We were founded in 2012 by New York University and East China Normal University with the support of the city of Shanghai and the district of Pudong. NYU Shanghai seeks to cultivate globally-minded graduates through innovative teaching, world-class research, and a commitment to public service. 

NYU Shanghai is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. We are proud of its diverse and talented staff members, who work together to build and sustain this unique and pioneering institution of higher education in China. 

For more information about NYU Shanghai, please visit https://shanghai.nyu.edu. You can also follow our official WeChat Account: NYUShanghaiRecruit for more updated news.