Senior/Lead Analyst

MERICS

Since its foundation in 2013, the Mercator Institute of China Studies (MERICS) has established itself as the leading European think tank on China. Employing more than 35 full-time staff from all over Europe and internationally, MERICS is currently the largest European institute focusing solely on analyzing contemporary China. With its headquarters in Berlin and an office in Brussels, the institute is regularly at the forefront of European and international public and expert debates on China.

MERICS has an established track record in analyzing China's foreign relations and international posture. Our research focuses on China's foreign, foreign economic, and security policies; its global strategy and geopolitical and geoeconomic objectives; its relations with Europe, the United States, Russia and other global players; its approach to global governance; its political and economic engagement with the Global South; its global economic footprint, including the BRI; and its posture in the Indo-Pacific, among other issues. China's relations with and approach to the European Union and its member states is a cross-cutting focus of the team's research.

To complement the team, MERICS seeks to fill the following position as soon as possible:

**Senior/Lead Analyst (m/f/d)

Foreign Relations**

In this role, you will be part of the Foreign Relations team, working closely with the Head of Program and under the overall direction of the institute's Executive Team.

Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct original research and produce cutting-edge analyses on China's foreign relations by collecting and analyzing data, monitoring policies, and producing reports and other deliverables.

• Monitor policy developments, analyze open-source data and help advance novel research approaches to assess China's international posture and global trajectory and engagement, including in the economic sphere.

• Contribute to regular publications and special reports of varying lengths and depth on developments in China's foreign, foreign economic, and security policies, and their impact on Europe.

Outreach

• Serve as an expert commentator in the media and engage in public outreach through presentations, talks, op-eds, social media and other outlets.
• Participate in public events and engage in consultative meetings with policy makers, companies, knowledge institutions and other stakeholders.
• As a Lead Analyst, build a strong public profile around your core expertise, proactively building up networks with a variety of stakeholders.

Project development and management

• Develop and manage internal and externally funded projects, collaborating closely with members of different research teams at MERICS, funders and partner organizations.
• Lead or contribute to fundraising efforts for externally funded projects.

• Guide and mentor junior colleagues and interns on team and project work

• As a Lead Analyst, shape and coordinate MERICS' research agenda and external visibility on an issue area related to your core expertise.

Requirements

• Solid knowledge of China's foreign, foreign economic and/or security policies, and its relations with Europe, its neighborhood and other key global actors.
• Strong academic background (MA/MSc as a minimum) in China studies/sinology, international relations, political science or related fields.
• Fluency in English and a professional working command of

Chinese (at least HSK 5 or equivalent).
- Proven experience working with Chinese-language primary sources and policy documents.
- Proven ability to independently conduct research and complete assignments of high quality. Excellent analytical and writing skills.
- High degree of flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team covering a wide scope of topics.

Desired Skills

• Proficiency in German and/or other European languages.
• Experience engaging with policymakers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Experience engaging with media and presenting in public events.
• Experience in bidding for projects and pursuing funding opportunities.
• Previous people management experience.
• Understanding of German and European China policy debates.
• An existing network of relevant contacts across government, the business sector and the expert community.

Why us?

MERICS offers a flexible and stimulating work environment in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and international team. The position can be based in Berlin or in Brussels, with a competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications) and excellent benefits.

This is a full-time position.

You will be hired initially on a two-year contract, with a probationary period of six months. We intend to make this a long-term role, subject to conditions.

How to apply

At MERICS, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from women and individuals with a migration background. Applicants with disabilities who meet the essential qualifications will be given preference in accordance with applicable laws.

If you are interested in becoming part of our team, please submit your application
by January 5, 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below
,
including your CV, a motivation letter addressed to MERICS Head of Foreign Relations program Helena Legarda, and contact information of two referees.

About us

The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) has become one of the most important European institutions for questions about today's China. With some 20 experts covering various disciplines, MERICS is the world's largest independent research institute focusing on contemporary China. Experts from seven European countries, China, Singapore, Australia and the United States analyze China's political, economic and social developments and their consequences for Europe. Working with MERICS provides challenging and intellectually stimulating opportunities.

MERICS values diversity and is committed to building an inclusive work environment for colleagues of all backgrounds. We are based in Berlin, and our working language is English. Knowledge of Chinese is in most cases a must, (knowledge of German and other languages is an asset).