Researcher, China

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.

We are looking for a news researcher to join our bureau in Beijing, who will help us produce original work on a broad range of themes, including China’s economy, society, environment and politics. The primary responsibility will be to assist China correspondents in research and reporting, with an emphasis on supporting the accuracy and breadth of Times stories.

In this role you will help to cover China and the surrounding region. You will cover the news accurately and efficiently for The Times’s wide range of media, including online, print and audio. The job includes obtaining information through interviews and on-site reporting with correspondents as well as through research and news services. As a researcher, you will ascertain and evaluate the facts relevant to the assignment, presenting work clearly and in conformity with style, length or other requirements. This person will also be required to follow news trends closely, including providing a weekly roundup of news stories to the chief China correspondent and other Times journalists. The ideal candidate will be well organized and a self-starter.

This is a full-time role reporting to the Beijing bureau chief. China’s laws require that only Chinese citizens may work as news researchers in mainland China; no other nationalities are eligible. Please note that although the working days for this role are usually Monday to Friday, you must be able to work occasionally on some Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, when news demands.

Main responsibilities:

• Work closely with China correspondents and editors to identify, conduct research and assist with reporting for news stories and analysis in clear written or other form and in conformity with style, length and other requirements, and help to develop high-impact stories from the broader themes that underpin incremental news developments
• Monitor current events across local news media, and provide updates and briefings for our correspondents and editors
• Obtain information and assist with conducting interviews and research.
• Provide translation from Chinese to English and vice versa for correspondents and other journalists
• Monitor social media, traditional media and trends for story ideas, and to aid reporting
• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world
• Other tasks as required by newsroom managementIdeal candidate

Ideal candidate:

• Fluency in English and Chinese is essential
• Solid judgment and knowledge of China’s politics, culture and economy
• Strong research ability
• Newsgathering skills, including use of social media
• Meticulous organizational skills; ability to prioritize with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.