Visiting Research Fellowship Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. It engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research focusing on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at effecting positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, making it a pivotal player in addressing pressing global issues.

Job Overview:
The Visiting Research Fellowship Programme at UNU Macau invites talented researchers and practitioners to apply for short-term, in-residence fellowships lasting between 1 to 3 months. The primary focus of the fellowship is to conduct policy-oriented research on Digital Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development (DET4SD). This program aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and the advanced decision-making tools required by UN agencies and member states to achieve the SDGs. Visiting Fellows will have the unique opportunity to engage deeply with the United Nations framework, contributing to collaborative research efforts and directly advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of tangible outputs, requiring fellows to fully dedicate themselves to their proposed projects and actively participate in the institute's research activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Visiting Fellows are expected to deliver a collaborative research output, which may take the form of an academic article, technical demonstration, or novel digital tool that aligns with UNU Macau's mission. They must also operationalize their research output to assist UN agencies or member states in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and advanced decision-making tools. Active engagement as a member of the institute is required, including participation in research team activities and joint discussions. Physical presence in Macau for the entire duration of the fellowship is mandatory, and fellows must comply with UNU policies and local regulations throughout their residency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be affiliated with an academic or research organization and intend to visit UNU Macau to establish an active collaboration. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. As a UN agency, candidates are expected to uphold the highest standards of research integrity and professional ethics, aligned with UN values. The fellowship encourages diversity and welcomes applications from all nationalities, particularly from women scholars and candidates from underrepresented regions or communities.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a Ph.D. or equivalent senior experience in a relevant field. For the Early-Career Track, advanced Ph.D. students or postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to apply, demonstrating an emerging track record of publications in high-impact journals or technical demonstrations. The Senior Track is designed for established researchers or faculty members with a substantial record of impactful research or applied digital technology projects.

Experience:
The fellowship has two application tracks: the Early-Career Track for advanced Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, or junior academics, and the Senior Track for established researchers or faculty members holding a Ph.D. or equivalent experience. Applicants must demonstrate a measurable, positive social impact through their research or projects, particularly in relation to digital emerging technologies for sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for all candidates. While English is the primary language of communication, knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The Visiting Fellowship lasts between 1 to 3 months, with the window for 2026 being from 1 September to 18 December 202

• UNU Macau provides financial support to offset travel and living costs, including a monthly stipend of USD$2,000 for Early-Career Track fellows and USD$3,000 for Senior Track fellows. Additionally, there is reimbursement for international travel costs up to USD$1,000, a housing subsidy of USD$2,000 per month, and reimbursement of visa fees if applicable. The fellowship does not entitle fellows to paid annual leave or sick leave. Candidates must maintain their affiliations with an academic or research organization during their residency and will be engaged under a Consultant Contract (CTC) with UNU. The expected start date for the fellowship is September 2026 onwards.