Head of Program Economy and Industry (mwd)

The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) is Europes 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 Chinas macro-economic development the underlying political economy and socio-economic foundations as well as Chinas 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 Chinas 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

Head of Program (m/f/d)

as soon as this role you will direct economic research at MERICS and supervise the work of the Economy and Industry team. You will lead engagement with business and policy stakeholders and co-develop the institutes research and strategic agenda with the Executive Team.

• Conceptualize and lead original research on Chinas economic development political economy and industrial policy with a focus on implications for Europe-China and international relations.
• Apply robust research methods and drive data-informed analysis of macroeconomic and policy trends using open-source and other relevant data. Investigate the evolving economic security challenges facing governments and companies.
• Coordinate deliveries of research outputs from your team for key MERICS publications including recurring formats and targeted reports on Chinas economic strategy and its impact on Europe.

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

• Represent MERICS in high-level engagements with decision-makers in business politics media and civil society.
• Expand and cultivate networks with key stakeholders peers media and institutional partners across Europe and beyond.
• Build your public profile as an expert on Chinas economic policy broadening your expertise into adjacent fields of strategic relevance.
• 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.

• You bring in-depth and wide-ranging knowledge of Chinas economic development institutions regulatory environment and policymaking and are experienced in working with original-language sources.
• Your academic background includes a graduate degree in economics or China studies with a strong focus on Chinas economy complemented by experience in leading quantitative data-driven research.
• Your command of English is at least C1 or at native speaker level and you have a good knowledge of Chinese (HSK 4 or equivalent); a good command of German is desirable knowledge of another European language is an advantage.
• You offer several years of relevant professional experience ideally including time spent in China and roles involving research policy advice team leadership and fundraising.
• Your track record demonstrates the ability to design lead and publish high-quality research on China-related economic and policy issues.
• You are experienced in securing external funding for research initiatives and managing project-based collaboration with funders and partners.
• 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.
• 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 either in Berlin or 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.

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 November 1 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below including your CV a motivation letter addressed to MERICS Executive Director Dr. Mikko Huotari and contact information of two referees.