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Institute of Sociology

Postdoctoral Researcher in Family Change and Low Fertility in East Asia 1 Person

Postdoctoral Fellow

Postdoctoral Researcher in Family Change and Low Fertility in East Asia
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.

•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.

Pursuant to Academia Sinica regulations

Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica

Salary is commensurate with experience, starting from approximately US$32,000 gross per year for recent PhD graduates, in accordance with Academia Sinica's salary scale. The position includes enrollment in Taiwan's National Health Insurance, annual health check-ups, and other benefits provided under Academia Sinica's employment regulations. Taiwan has relatively low income tax and moderate living costs. As a result, the purchasing power and quality of life afforded by this position offer a strong value proposition in an international context.

Dr. CHENG Yen-hsin Alice

Institute of Sociology, 8F, South Wing, Humanities and Social Sciences Building, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec. 2, Academia Rd., Taipei, Taiwan 11529

+886-2-26525154

Please apply by emailing the PI 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

Why join Academia Sinica?
•Research Environment
Academia Sinica is Taiwan's national academy and one of Asia's leading research institutions. The Institute of Sociology provides a highly research-intensive environment with no teaching responsibilities and extensive opportunities for international collaboration. International conference travel support up to US$2,000 per year is available for post-doc researchers.
•Data Resources
The successful candidate will have access to the newly completed Taiwan Generations and Gender Survey (GGS-Taiwan), the Taiwanese component of the international Generations and Gender Programme (GGP), together with opportunities to work with administrative registers, other large social surveys in Taiwan, and comparative international datasets.
•Career Development
The position is designed to support independent publication, international conference participation, and the development of an independent research profile.
•Living in Taipei
Taipei is one of Asia's safest cities and offers universal healthcare, efficient public transportation, moderate taxation, and a high quality of life. Although nominal salaries are lower than in some Western countries, purchasing power compares favorably once living costs are considered. The standard of living afforded by an academic position in Taiwan is often more competitive than nominal salary comparisons alone would suggest.

The position is open to applicants from anywhere in the world; however, successful candidates are expected to relocate to Taipei.

Please note that the initial 2-year contract will be funded by the research project. Contingent on performance and mutual interest, candidates interested in extending their appointment beyond the initial two-year term will be supported in applying for competitive funding through Academia Sinica's central Postdoctoral Scholar Program.
【Timeline】
•Applications received by 15 September 2026 will receive full consideration.
•Interviews will be conducted online, unless in-person interview at Academia Sinica is possible for the candidate.
•The appointment may begin any time after September 2026, with a preferred start date between September and December 2026, and no later than 31 December 2026.
•Applicants should either have completed their PhD or expect to complete it before the appointment begins.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Yen-hsin Alice Cheng at aliceyh@gate.sinica.edu.tw.

2026-07-23

2026-09-15