Korean-speaking Research Fellow

Department DPRK Strategic Research Center Job Type Administrative Applicant Type All citizens Type of Position Full-Time Closing Date Jan 31, 2026

Job Title: Korean-speaking Research Fellow 

Division: DPRK Strategic Research Center

Position reports to: President & Principal Investigator

Communications & Research Director

Summary:

The DPRK Strategic Research Center at KIMEP University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is looking for a motivated and proactive Research Fellow, with native fluency in Korean, to work jointly with the Principal Investigator - Dr. Chan Young Bang - and the staff of the Center, on issues related but not limited to: the North Korean economy, North Korean politics, foreign relations of North Korea, and geopolitical issues on the Korean Peninsula and in East Asia.

The center is seeking an individual passionate about research and interested in deepening their knowledge of economic development in North Korea. This position would suit a researcher interested in:

Northeast Asian Geopolitics; International Relations of China; Inter-Korean Affairs; The Economy of the DPRK.

Ideally, the Research Fellow will be versed in translating and adapting analytic and academic writing, opinion pieces, and policy papers from English to Korean. The Research Fellow should have a genuine interest in the future of North Korea and the Korean peninsula.

The DPRK Strategic Research Center works collectively under the guidance of Dr. Bang, therefore it is important that the Research Fellow be able to work as part of a team; individual research output is also encouraged, however, the emphasis remains on producing solid analysis, thought-provoking opinion pieces and analytical pieces to be published with premium international outlets and academic journals.

The Research Fellow should familiarize themselves with the publications produced by the center, a list of which can be found at: https://www.kimep.kz/dprkstrategy/en/publications/.

KIMEP University is the leading American-style, internationally-accredited, English-speaking academic institution in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Established in 1992, KIMEP provides a world-class academic experience and a unique international environment to all its students and faculty.

The city of Almaty is situated at the base of the majestic Tien Shan Mountains in Southeast Kazakhstan. About 2 million people live in or near Almaty as it is the financial, cultural, and cosmopolitan capital of Kazakhstan. With a transitioning economy that has witnessed four-fold growth over the past decade, Kazakhstan's dynamically changing economic, social, educational, and cultural environment provides incredible opportunities for significant and original research.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Collaborating on and preparing publications Preparing opinion pieces for the media Collecting and/or analyzing data Conducting interviews and/or observations Submitting the research output for publication Library/archive searches Transcribing and translating Korean texts into English and vice versa Promoting the activities of the Center and updating the website Organizing research conferences online and in-person Other research activities as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

Fluency in Korean (native) and English (excellent) Completion of a Master’s Degree in a relevant field (International Relations, Economics, Area Studies, Social Sciences) Considerable experience in a research environment Excellent written and oral communication skills High level of competency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Excel, and Word At least 1 year of relevant work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree discipline with a focus on Northeast Asia/DPRK Ph.D. in a relevant field (International Relations, Economics, Area Studies, Social Sciences)

Please apply via the HR Portal ("apply" button)

You are kindly asked to attach your CV, Cover letter and please mention your salary expectations to this position.

Application deadline: ongoing and continue until position is filled.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Address any questions to HR office [email protected]