Director economic research / Chief economist (gn)

The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) is Europe’s leading think tank on China, shaping public and expert debates since 2013. Employing more than 40 full-time international staff, MERICS is currently the largest European institute focusing solely on analysing contemporary China. With its headquarters in Berlin and an office in Brussels, the institute contributes actively to European and international discourse on China.

MERICS has an established track record of analysing China’s macro-economic development, the underlying political economy and socio-economic foundations as well as China’s foreign economic relations and industrial policy in a global context. For a variety of public and private sector stakeholders, we provide insights and advice on changes in China’s economic strategy and policy, the regulatory environment, the role of party-state institutions and economic actors as well as the resulting opportunities and risks for Europe.

The institute is seeking to appoint a

Director Economic Research or Chief Economist (gn)

as soon as possible. In this role, you will direct economic research at MERICS and supervise the work of the Economy and Industry team. You will lead stakeholder engagement in business and economic policy and co-develop the institute’s research and strategic agenda with the Executive Team.

Research

1. Conceptualize and lead original research on China’s economic development, political economy and industrial policy, with a focus on implications for Europe-China and international relations.
2. Apply robust research methods and drive data-informed analysis of macroeconomic and policy trends using open-source and other relevant data.
3. Coordinate deliveries of research outputs from your team for key MERICS publications, including recurring formats and targeted reports on China’s economic strategy and its impact on Europe.

Leadership and management

1. Oversee the work of the Economy and Industry team, guiding and mentoring currently four (Senior/Lead) Analysts and the Head of Program, promoting collaboration across MERICS teams, with fellows and external partners.
2. Contribute to shaping MERICS’s strategic agenda and organizational culture as part of the institute’s Management Circle.
3. Supervise and ensure quality control for a range of research outputs, coordinating closely with colleagues, funders and partners.
4. Design and develop the fundraising strategy for your team, nurturing long-term relationships with funders and partners.

Outreach

1. Represent MERICS in high-level engagements with decision-makers in business, politics, media and civil society.
2. Expand and cultivate networks with key stakeholders, peers, media and institutional partners across Europe and beyond.
3. Build your public profile as an expert on China’s economic policy, broadening your expertise into adjacent fields of strategic relevance.
4. Contribute to MERICS media work as an interview partner and an author of op-eds and commentary and present your research at conferences, workshops and briefings.

1. You bring in-depth and wide-ranging knowledge of China’s economic development, institutions, regulatory environment and policymaking, and are experienced in working with original-language sources.
2. Your academic background includes a graduate degree in economics or China studies with a strong focus on China’s economy, complemented by experience in leading quantitative, data-driven research.
3. Your command of English is at least C1 or at native speaker level and you have a good knowledge of Chinese (HSK 5 or equivalent); a good command of German is desirable, knowledge of another European language is an advantage.
4. You offer at least eight years of relevant professional experience, ideally including time spent in China and roles involving research, policy advice, team leadership and fundraising.
5. Your track record demonstrates the ability to design, lead and publish high-quality research on China-related economic and policy issues.
6. You are experienced in securing external funding for research initiatives and managing project-based collaboration with funders and partners.
7. You communicate effectively across formats, with experience in public speaking, media work and translating complex research into accessible content for both expert and non-expert audiences.
8. You are adaptable, collaborative and proactive, willing to contribute beyond your core area of expertise and engage with colleagues across the institute.

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