Discipline of “Urban Politics and Urban Governance”
“Urban Politics and Urban Governance” is a key focus and distinctive direction of disciplinary development at the School of Government, Shenzhen University, and the Institute of Global Megacity Governance. The research team is dedicated to studying urban political phenomena and governance issues, tracking new theories and methods in urban politics domestically and internationally. The team emphasizes exploring theoretical issues with significant practical relevance and practical issues with profound theoretical significance in urban politics and governance. It aims to foster an academic community for urban politics and governance research, developing theories with Chinese characteristics and a global perspective.
I. Research Directions and Mentor Introduction
(1) Research Directions
Emerging interdisciplinary fields including Economics, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Urban Planning, Regional Economics, Smart Cities, Spatial Econometrics, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, and Intelligent Science and Technology.
(2) Mentor Introduction
Chen Wen, Executive Dean of the School of Government and the Institute of Global Megacity Governance at Shenzhen University, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Central Compilation and Translation Bureau, and Research Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Research Areas: Urban Governance, Urban Politics, Social Governance, Global Megacity Governance, Comparative Studies of World City Clusters. Council Member of the Chinese Political Science Association and the Chinese Social Governance Research Association; former core member of the key research area “National Governance System and Modernization of Governance Capacity” at the Central Compilation and Translation Bureau’s National High-End Think Tank; Council Member of the Guangdong Administrative Management Association; Expert for Shenzhen’s Pilot Demonstration Zone; and Legislative Consultant for the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Congress. Published over 100 academic papers in authoritative journals such as Chinese Political Science Review, Chinese Public Administration, and Social Sciences in China (internal manuscripts). Authored more than 10 books, including Urban Governance Transformation Studies, Systematic Governance of Megacities, Miracle Cities, and Building Harmonious Communities. Edited works such as Translated Classics in Foreign Urban Politics, Oxford Handbook of Urban Politics, and Urban Politics (translated, Commercial Press). Led major projects under the National Social Science Fund, including “Theoretical Connotations, Practical Pathways, and Mechanisms for Transforming Urban Development Models” and “Modernization of Governance Systems and Capacities in Megacities”; general projects such as “Tracking Studies on Western Urban Politics Development”; youth projects like “Community Governance Transformation Studies”; and over 10 provincial and ministerial-level projects, including the Ministry of Education’s “Mechanisms and Solutions for Fragmentation in Urban Social Governance.” Over 50 research reports have been adopted by national ministries and provincial/municipal authorities.
II. Application Requirements
1. Doctoral degree obtained within the past 3 years, age under 35, with strong English reading and writing skills.
2. Strong research innovation and teamwork capabilities.
3. High academic integrity, rigorous scientific attitude, good health, and ability to meet job demands.
4. Priority given to applicants with significant research achievements.
5. Full-time commitment to postdoctoral research.
6. Preference for those who have published in authoritative domestic or international journals.
III. Compensation and Benefits
Contract Duration: 2 or 3 years.
Total Annual Compensation: Over 330,000 CNY.
Outstanding postdoctoral fellows enjoy competitive and sustainable benefits, with access to Shenzhen University’s Postdoctoral Talent Development Support Program and clear career advancement pathways.
1. Eligible in-station postdocs receive a living allowance of 180,000 CNY per year from the city/province, up to 360,000 CNY in total.
2. The university provides a base annual salary of over 150,000 CNY; eligible outstanding postdocs may apply for the “Lixin Incentive Plan,” receiving an additional 48,000 CNY in performance-based salary.
3. Outstanding postdocs meeting criteria can apply for faculty positions through the “Liyuan Retention Plan” (a direct channel for postdocs to stay on as faculty).
4. Postdocs may independently apply for research grants at various levels during their tenure.
5. Eligible postdocs can apply for professional title evaluations.
6. Postdocs may choose to register their household in Shenzhen upon entry.
7. Outgoing postdocs receive 300,000 CNY from Shenzhen City for research or entrepreneurial startup costs.
8. Welfare benefits include, but are not limited to, medical services, annual health checkups, and dining subsidies.
9. Benefits are subject to the latest policy updates.
IV. Job Responsibilities
1. Conduct research with the mentor in areas such as urban governance, urban politics, urban development, and global megacity governance.
2. Undertake some public service duties related to research.
V. Application Process
1. Submit a resume and electronic copies of representative academic achievements from the past 5 years to the contact person.
2. Shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview and should prepare the following materials for review:
·Resume
·Copies of degree certificates
·Copies of representative academic achievements from the past 5 years
·Recommendation letter from doctoral advisor
VI. Contact Information
Address: Room B211, Shouzheng Building, Lihu Campus, Shenzhen University, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province
Contact: Teacher Wang
Phone: 0755-26906910
E-mail: iug@szu.edu.cn
VII. Application Deadline
Open until filled.
Layout: Li Huan
Initial Review: Cai Shaoting
Second Review: Wang Yingying
Final Review: Gu Zhijun
