The Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join a research program on family change, partnership formation, and low fertility in Taiwan and East Asia over a 2-year period (with renewal possibility). The position offers opportunities to develop independent publications within the broad themes of the project. The position involves no teaching load and also provides mentorship toward publication in leading journals. The position is particularly suitable for early-career researchers seeking to establish an independent publication record in family demography and population studies.
The research program seeks to understand how contemporary demographic change—including delayed partnership formation, rising singlehood, marriage, cohabitation, changing gender relations, persistent low fertility, birth outcomes, and social inequalities—is reshaping family life in Taiwan and East Asia. Through nationally representative survey data and comparative research, we aim to contribute to broader theoretical debates on family change, inequality, and demographic transformation.
Research themes
- singlehood and unpartnered adults;
- partnership formation and marriage;
- fertility intentions;
- gender, values, and family change;
- inequality in low-fertility societies;
- Taiwan and comparative East Asian demography.
Responsibilities
- develop independent and collaborative research papers;
- analyze survey and/or register-based demographic data;
- contribute to international journal manuscripts;
- participate in workshops, conferences, and cross-country research meetings;
- help strengthen the broader research program.
Desired qualifications
- PhD in demography, sociology, population studies, economics, public health, or related fields;
- strong quantitative skills;
- experience with Stata, R, or equivalent;
- interest in family demography, fertility, gender, or life-course research;
- strong English academic writing ability;
- interest in East Asia/Taiwan is desirable but not required.
Please apply by emailing the PI, Dr. Yen-hsin Alice Cheng at aliceyh@gate.sinica.edu.tw and include in a single PDF file:
Cover Letter (maximum 2 page)
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 5 pages)
Research Statement (maximum 3 pages), including research accomplishments, ongoing work, and future research plans. Please also describe the methodological and technical skills that you would bring to the collaborative projects.
Names and contact information for two academic referees
One writing sample or publication