Artificial intelligence is reshaping how knowledge is produced, how research is done, and how we understand cognition and creativity. The Fangtang Institute at Tsinghua University studies frontier topics including AI, knowledge production, cognition and innovation, and is dedicated to open, pluralistic interdisciplinary research. We are now recruiting research interns from universities in China and abroad, and welcome students from all disciplinary backgrounds to join us in exploring interesting and important questions and trying new possibilities for research.
Position overview
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting unit | Fangtang Institute, Tsinghua University |
| Position | Research intern |
| Who may apply | Current master’s or doctoral students at universities in China and abroad |
| Location | Fangtang Institute, Tsinghua University |
| Working mode | On-site and online, flexibly arranged according to the actual work |
| Working hours | No fewer than 20 hours per week |
| Duration | At least 3 consecutive months |
| Application deadline | November 30, 2026 |
Responsibilities
Interns participate in interdisciplinary research in the Institute’s areas of interest, using theoretical analysis, empirical research, qualitative and quantitative methods, and computational analysis. The work mainly includes:
- Literature search, analysis, and review in relevant fields;
- Analysis of research questions, conceptual and theoretical research, case studies, and empirical research;
- Data collection, processing, statistical analysis, and related computational research;
- Academic discussions, report writing, and the organization of research outputs.
Specific tasks will be arranged flexibly according to the Institute’s project needs and each intern’s background, research interests, and abilities.
Eligibility
- Current master’s or doctoral students at universities in China and abroad. Students from all disciplinary backgrounds are welcome, including philosophy, sociology, psychology, management, economics, education, and information science;
- Good ability to search, read, analyze, and write about academic literature in both Chinese and English, and to conduct literature research independently;
- Familiarity with AI tools and the ability to use them flexibly to support literature research, information analysis, and academic writing;
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary topics such as AI, knowledge production, cognition and innovation, an open mind, and a willingness to engage with knowledge and methods from different disciplines;
- Curiosity, creativity, and an exploratory spirit; independent thinking and the initiative to identify new questions and try new research approaches;
- A strong sense of responsibility, initiative, and execution, with the ability to advance research tasks independently, communicate progress in time, and collaborate effectively with the team.
Bonus qualifications: interdisciplinary research experience, independent research outputs, or hands-on experience of using AI tools for academic research will be an advantage.
What the Institute offers
Contact with diverse scholars and broader academic horizons
Building on Tsinghua University’s interdisciplinary strengths and the Institute’s academic exchange platform, interns can take part in high-level forums, seminars, lectures, and reading groups, and exchange ideas with scholars from different disciplines.
Open collaboration that encourages exploration and innovation
We value curiosity, independent thinking, and original exploration, and encourage exchange and cooperation across disciplines and methods. In an open and equal atmosphere of discussion, new questions and new approaches are always welcome.
AI support for new ways of doing research
We encourage exploring new methods of AI-assisted academic research, and provide support for AI tools and large-model API token quotas as needed, so that AI can be applied to literature research, data analysis, and knowledge exploration.
A competitive internship stipend
A competitive stipend is provided, allowing interns to focus on their research and personal growth.
How to apply
Applicants should send the following materials to the application email address:
- A CV;
- Other materials that demonstrate relevant research ability, such as research papers, reports, or project outcomes (optional).
- Application email: fangtang@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn, with a copy to huaijp@163.com;
- Email subject: 【研究实习生申请＋姓名＋学校＋专业】 (research intern application + name + university + major);
- Application deadline: November 30, 2026.
Please follow the application instructions in the original recruitment notice.
A note on backgrounds
This recruitment does not impose strict requirements on disciplinary background, and applicants are not expected to master every research method. We value the complementarity of different disciplinary backgrounds and research abilities, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Specific research tasks will be determined flexibly according to project progress and each intern’s strengths.
Research context
The Institute’s interests include Philosophy and Humanities in the AI Era. Interns’ specific research tasks will be determined by the Institute’s project needs and their own research interests, and questions and research ideas grounded in applicants’ own scholarship are welcome.
Source
Original recruitment notice on the Fangtang Institute’s WeChat account, published on October 29, 2026. This English text is translated from the Chinese notice; recruitment arrangements and subsequent updates should be checked against the Institute’s information.