11 PhD Positions in China’s Geoeconomic Rise and Structural Power (RTG 3209 China-GRASP)
Join an interdisciplinary cohort to research China’s geoeconomic strategies and structural power across security, finance, production, and knowledge domains.
Best for:Best for graduates with a master’s in Economics, Political Science, International Relations, or related fields who seek interdisciplinary training in China studies and international political economy.
Overview
The University of Göttingen, in collaboration with the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, invites applications for 11 fully funded PhD positions within the Research Training Group RTG 3209 China-GRASP. This interdisciplinary program examines how China’s geoeconomic rise reshapes global order by accumulating structural power in security, production, finance, and knowledge systems. Doctoral researchers will design and execute original projects aligned with one of 15 focus areas, engaging with cutting-edge debates in international political economy. The program offers structured training, mentorship, and international research stays, fostering both academic and non-academic career development. Applicants should be prepared to work with innovative data sources, including Chinese-language materials, and contribute to policy-relevant research on one of the most consequential topics in contemporary international relations.
What you'll do
- Design and execute an original PhD project within one of 15 focus areas aligned with RTG 3209’s research clusters
- Engage in interdisciplinary training through collaborative coursework bridging Economics, Political Science, and Area Studies
- Develop advanced methodological skills, including quantitative or qualitative approaches suited to your research focus
- Collaborate with a cohort of researchers and leading scholars in international political economy and China studies
- Conduct fieldwork or research stays abroad leveraging the University of Göttingen’s global partnerships
- Participate in regular seminars, workshops, and conferences to present research findings and receive feedback
- Contribute to policy-relevant outputs by analyzing China’s structural power accumulation in security, finance, production, or knowledge domains
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present at academic conferences
- Engage with Chinese-language materials and innovative data sources to address gaps in existing research
- Complete the doctoral program requirements within the 3-year contract period
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Asian or China Studies, Development Studies, Global Governance, International Security, Agricultural Studies, or a related field (graded good or very good)
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (working language of the RTG); advanced Chinese language proficiency is an asset and required for some positions
Instruction: English
- Strong methodological skills in quantitative or qualitative research, tailored to your chosen focus area
- Fluency in written and spoken English (working language of the RTG)
- Ability to design an innovative, feasible, and original research proposal aligned with RTG 3209’s research clusters
- Fulfillment of the requirements for the doctoral program in your discipline at the University of Göttingen
- Open to applicants of all nationalities and backgrounds
- Strong preference for applicants underrepresented in academia (e.g., gender, social status, ethnic origin, migration background)
- Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-07-24 (Europe/Berlin)
Submit a single consolidated PDF application via the University of Göttingen’s application portal by the deadline. Include a CV, motivation letter, research proposal outline, writing sample, publication list (if applicable), language certificates, degree certificates and transcripts, and contact details for two academic referees. Respond to all questions in the application portal.
- CV
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Research proposal outline (max. 2 pages)
- Writing sample (approx. 10 pages)
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Language certificates
- Certificate of academic degree(s) and transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
- Responses to application portal questions
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.