Postdoctoral Fellow in Law
Overview
The Faculty of Law at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is seeking one postdoctoral fellow with a strong interest and expertise in the legal and political history of war crimes and crimes against humanity, ideally with an emphasis on the Sri Lankan Civil War. A background in both history and law is an advantage. The faculty is a research-intensive law school that welcomed its first students in 2006, and 83 percent of its research output was rated at the top two levels in Hong Kong's 2020 Research Assessment Exercise.
Under the direction of Professor Alex Green, and in collaboration with the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam, the work will address ongoing political and legal discussion about the development of an independent Tamil state within Sri Lanka. It aims to give an objective academic assessment of the legal challenges to creating such a state, applying the framework from Professor Green's 2024 monograph Statehood as Political Community: International Law and the Emergence of New States.
Requirements
Applicants should have a PhD in history or public international law, ideally focused on the Sri Lankan Civil War, and demonstrated academic ability in history, public international law or both. Fluency in English and in Sinhala or Tamil, or both, is particularly encouraged. The post suits early-stage academics. Responsibilities are research only: historical research, co-authoring legal and policy briefs, co-authoring scholarship for reputable academic outlets, and liaising with project collaborators and stakeholders.
What you get
The appointment is initially a six-month contract, renewable by mutual agreement. The appointee must work in person in Hong Kong for the whole appointment, and remote work arrangements will not be considered.
How to apply
Applications are made online and include a detailed CV, a complete list of publications, one sample manuscript or publication, the names of two referees with full contact information, and any other relevant supporting documents.
Key dates
The closing date is 18 October 2026. Review begins at the deadline, shortlist interviews are completed within one month, and the anticipated start date is 4 January 2027.