Postdoctoral Fellow

The Faculty of Law of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK LAW) is one of the most dynamic and accomplished research-intensive law schools in Asia. Since welcoming its inaugural student cohort in 2006, CUHK LAW has earned international recognition for excellence in legal research and education. This reputation is affirmed by the latest Research Assessment Exercise (2020) conducted by Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, in which 83% of the Faculty’s research output was rated as “world-leading” (4*) or “internationally excellent” (3*). With a strong global outlook, our academic staff represent nearly twenty jurisdictions through their origins or training.

CUHK LAW is seeking one enthusiastic and outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow with a strong interest and expertise in the legal and political history of war crimes and crimes against humanity, ideally with a particular emphasis upon the Sri Lankan Civil War. Given the nature of the research to be conducted, a background in both history and law will be advantageous.

Under the direction of Professor Alex Green, and in collaboration with the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam, the work shall address the ongoing political and legal discourses surrounding the development of an independent Tamil State within the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It aims to provide an objective academic assessment of the legal challenges facing the creation of such a new State, applying the overarching framework developed in the Professor Green’s award-winning 2024 Cambridge University Press monograph, Statehood as Political Community: International Law and the Emergence of New States.

Applicants should have (i) a PhD in History or Public International Law, ideally with a focus on the Sri Lankan Civil War; and (ii) demonstrated academic capabilities in history or public international law (or both). In addition, candidates with fluency in English and also in Sinhala or Tamil (or both) are particularly encouraged to apply.

This appointment is aimed at an early-stage academics with a keen interest in making a significant impact on international relations and the concept of statehood in international law. The responsibilities of the appointees are exclusively research-related. Duties include (a) carrying out historical research; (b) co-authoring legal and policy briefs; (c) co-authoring scholarship for publication in reputable academic outlets; and (d) liaising and working with project collaborators and identified stakeholders.

Appointment will initially be made on contract basis for six months, renewable subject to mutual agreement. The appointee is required to work in person in Hong Kong for the duration of appointment. Applications for remote work arrangements will not be considered.

Applicants should submit the following documents in the online application: (1) a detailed curriculum vitae; (2) complete list of publications; (3) one sample manuscript or publication; (4) names of two referees with full contact information; and (5) any other relevant supporting documents.

The application deadline is 18 October 2026. Review of applications will begin upon the application deadline, with short-list interviews being completed within one month. The anticipated start date is 4 January 2027.

For more information, please contact Professor Alex Green (aggreen@cuhk.edu.hk).

The University only accepts and considers applications submitted online for the post above via the CUHK career site. For more information and to apply online, please visit http://career.cuhk.edu.hk.

The Faculty of Law of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK LAW) is one of the most dynamic and accomplished research-intensive law schools in Asia. Since welcoming its inaugural student cohort in 2006, CUHK LAW has earned international recognition for excellence in legal research and education. This reputation is affirmed by the latest Research Assessment Exercise (2020) conducted by Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, in which 83% of the Faculty’s research output was rated as “world-leading” (4*) or “internationally excellent” (3*). With a strong global outlook, our academic staff represent nearly twenty jurisdictions through their origins or training.

CUHK LAW is seeking one enthusiastic and outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow with a strong interest and expertise in the legal and political history of war crimes and crimes against humanity, ideally with a particular emphasis upon the Sri Lankan Civil War. Given the nature of the research to be conducted, a background in both history and law will be advantageous.

Under the direction of Professor Alex Green, and in collaboration with the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam, the work shall address the ongoing political and legal discourses surrounding the development of an independent Tamil State within the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It aims to provide an objective academic assessment of the legal challenges facing the creation of such a new State, applying the overarching framework developed in the Professor Green’s award-winning 2024 Cambridge University Press monograph, Statehood as Political Community: International Law and the Emergence of New States.

Applicants should have (i) a PhD in History or Public International Law, ideally with a focus on the Sri Lankan Civil War; and (ii) demonstrated academic capabilities in history or public international law (or both). In addition, candidates with fluency in English and also in Sinhala or Tamil (or both) are particularly encouraged to apply.

This appointment is aimed at an early-stage academics with a keen interest in making a significant impact on international relations and the concept of statehood in international law. The responsibilities of the appointees are exclusively research-related. Duties include (a) carrying out historical research; (b) co-authoring legal and policy briefs; (c) co-authoring scholarship for publication in reputable academic outlets; and (d) liaising and working with project collaborators and identified stakeholders.

Appointment will initially be made on contract basis for six months, renewable subject to mutual agreement. The appointee is required to work in person in Hong Kong for the duration of appointment. Applications for remote work arrangements will not be considered.

Applicants should submit the following documents in the online application: (1) a detailed curriculum vitae; (2) complete list of publications; (3) one sample manuscript or publication; (4) names of two referees with full contact information; and (5) any other relevant supporting documents.

The application deadline is 18 October 2026. Review of applications will begin upon the application deadline, with short-list interviews being completed within one month. The anticipated start date is 4 January 2027.

For more information, please contact Professor Alex Green (aggreen@cuhk.edu.hk).

The University only accepts and considers applications submitted online for the post above via the CUHK career site. For more information and to apply online, please visit http://career.cuhk.edu.hk.