Research Associate

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.