Job Openings at Stanford Asia-Pacific Research Center

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Thanks for your interest in career opportunities with Shorenstein APARC.

We are currently hiring for the staff position posted below. For Stanford student opportunities, learn about our research assistantships.

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NOW HIRING: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

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SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

The Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (Shorenstein APARC) addresses critical issues affecting the countries of Asia, their regional and global affairs, and U.S.-Asia relations. As Stanford University’s hub for the interdisciplinary study of contemporary Asia, the Center produces policy-relevant research, provides education and training to students, scholars, and practitioners, and strengthens dialogue and cooperation between counterparts in the Asia-Pacific and the United States.

The Korea Program at Stanford’s Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center is a West Coast hub focused on contemporary Korea and issues shaping the Korean Peninsula and U.S.-Korea relations. It explores these topics from regional and comparative views through cultural, political, and economic lenses. The program trains emerging Korea scholars and brings together experts from academia, government, business, and civil society for dialogue, research, and publishing, informing policymakers in the U.S. and Korea and strengthening bilateral ties.

The Stanford Next Asia Policy Lab (SNAPL) is committed to addressing emergent social, cultural, economic, and political challenges in Asia through interdisciplinary, problem-oriented, policy-relevant, and comparative studies and publications. The lab functions as a platform that facilitates network-based collaboration with academic and policy research institutions in Asia.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.  
• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.[PM1.1]

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Associate/SSRP2 at the Korea Program and Stanford Next Asia Policy Lab (SNAPL) supports the development and execution of social science research projects focused on Korean and Asian studies. Reporting to the Faculty Director, the role involves helping with designing, implementing, and analyzing research initiatives on topics such as talent flows, nationalism, U.S.-Asia relations, democratic reforms, and engagement with North Korea. The position requires a strong understanding of social science methodologies, as well as knowledge of the historical, political, and socio-economic contexts of Korea and Asia. The Research Associate contributes to reports, publications, speeches, and media outputs, ensuring scholarly rigor while translating complex research findings for diverse audiences.

In addition to research support, SSRP2 manages project coordination and administrative tasks that ensure the successful execution of faculty-led initiatives. This includes organizing conferences, workshops, seminars, and edited-volume publications, handling logistics such as travel, lodging, and documentation, and facilitating communication among Principal Investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and research contributors. The role also involves supporting the administration of postdoctoral and visiting fellowship applications, coordinating review processes, and assisting with faculty travel and event planning.

The SSRP 2 will mentor and supervise student research assistants, guiding them through research project cycles to ensure quality and commitment. The SSRP2 may represent the Faculty Director at public functions, assist in responding to media inquiries, and support internal program communications. May be required to travel to support the conferences or project meetings. Overall, this role blends rigorous research, editorial work, administrative coordination, and public engagement to advance the Korea Program’s mission and maximize the impact of its scholarly initiatives.  

Korean language proficiency is desirable but not required.

This is a 100% FTE, fixed-term position. The term concludes two years from the start date and may be extended based on program need and funding availability.

For consideration, please submit resume and a cover letter. All final candidates must complete a background check.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work in the US.

CORE DUTIES:

• Assist in designing experiments, exercising independent initiative and judgment gained from completing a variety of high-level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planning and coordinating experimental protocols.
• Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures, with the supervisor providing only general guidance and suggestions.
• Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques.
• Solve problems, and make decisions which affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
• Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.
• Co-author sections of research publications and regulatory reports as needed.
• Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope as needed.
• Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field and two years applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific theory and methods.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with human study participants.
• Developing supervisory skills.
• Korean language proficiency is desirable but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.

* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

For On-site or Hybrid positions:

The expected pay range for this position is $85,376 to $99, 581 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for you:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.