Research Assistant University of Melbourne location Melbourne.

We are seeking to appoint up to three casual research assistants to support an interdisciplinary Discovery Project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) ‘Balancing National Security and Economic Interests in Foreign Investment’.

About the project with the rise of emerging economies such as China and the advent of the digital age, many countries are increasingly tightening restrictions on inward foreign direct investment (FDI) based on national security concerns. These concerns arise particularly when state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and those connected with authoritarian regimes attempt to invest in sensitive sectors, including those designated as encompassing ‘critical infrastructure’.

Chinese technology companies such as Huawei have been especially targeted by these and related restrictions in numerous countries, contributing to growing geopolitical tensions regarding international trade and foreign investment. The project begins from the proposition that we currently lack an integrated understanding of the nature, causes and implications of these ongoing policy shifts. The team aims to provide interdisciplinary research and policy analysis to illuminate how governments balance the demands of national security and the benefits of economic integration. The project will use mixed methods, including qualitative analysis of four major country cases (Brazil, China, the United Kingdom and the United States) and quantitative analysis through creation of a global database on FDI policy.

About the role this is an exceptional opportunity to work closely with a senior and interdisciplinary team of researchers based at the University of Melbourne: Professor Tania Voon (Melbourne Law School), Professor Andrew Walter (School of Social and Political Sciences), Professor Philip McCalman (Faculty of Business and Economics); along with Dr Laura Puzzello (Department of Economics, Monash University).

The successful applicants will carry out research as preparations for publications and presentations, be involved in writing some research outputs, work collaboratively with different team members as required, organise workshops, and take an active role in helping to disseminate research findings. Tasks may include research on country cases, policy analysis and coding for the FDI policy database, manuscript and article preparation, conference organisation, project administration, and establishing and maintaining a project website.

About the candidates research assistants are required with varying backgrounds to support this interdisciplinary research project. Applications are sought from candidates with relevant academic qualifications and expertise in at least one of the following fields law, political science, international relations, international political economy, and economics.

Experience in international law, international economic law, economic policy analysis, international economics and/or foreign direct investment is an advantage, as are foreign language skills (Mandarin and Portuguese are specific priorities). Successful candidates will have excellent research and writing skills (in English) and a demonstrated capacity to work independently, meet deadlines, and contribute to the collaborative team effort of the ARC project. Shortlisted candidates should be available for interview.