Postdoctoral Fellow (Legal and Political History of War Crimes) at Faculty of Law, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The Faculty of Law of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK LAW) describes itself as one of the most dynamic and accomplished research-intensive law schools in Asia. It welcomed its inaugural student cohort in 2006 and has since built an international reputation in legal research and education. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2020) conducted by Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, 83% of the Faculty’s research output was rated either “world-leading” (4*) or “internationally excellent” (3*). Its academic staff represent close to twenty jurisdictions through their origins or their training.

CUHK LAW 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 a particular emphasis on the Sri Lankan Civil War. Because of the nature of the research involved, a background in both history and law will be an advantage. The vacancy is advertised on the University’s career site under Job Number 260001DQ, in the Research Posts category.

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

The appointment is aimed at an early-stage academic with a keen interest in making a significant impact on international relations and on the concept of statehood in international law. The responsibilities are exclusively research-related and include:

• Carrying out historical research;
• Co-authoring legal and policy briefs;
• Co-authoring scholarship for publication in reputable academic outlets;
• Liaising and working with project collaborators and identified stakeholders.

• Applicants should hold a PhD in History or Public International Law, ideally with a focus on the Sri Lankan Civil War.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate academic capability in history or public international law, or in both.
• Candidates fluent in English and also in Sinhala or Tamil (or both) are particularly encouraged to apply.

The appointment will initially be made on a 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 the appointment, and the advertisement states that applications for remote work arrangements will not be considered. The advertisement does not state the remuneration attached to the post, so applicants should raise this with the Faculty. The anticipated start date is 4 January 2027.

The University only accepts and considers applications submitted online for this post through the CUHK career site. Applicants should upload the following documents with the online application:

• A detailed curriculum vitae;
• A complete list of publications;
• One sample manuscript or publication;
• Names of two referees with full contact information;
• Any other relevant supporting documents.

The application deadline is 18 October 2026. Review of applications will begin upon the application deadline, and short-list interviews are expected to be completed within one month of it. The anticipated start date for the successful candidate is 4 January 2027.