Human Rights in China (HRIC) is pleased to host the Robert L. Bernstein Fellowship in International Human Rights in honor of the late Mr. Bernstein, who was Director and Chair Emeritus of HRIC and Founding Chair and Director Emeritus of Human Rights Watch, and who made lifelong contributions to human rights in China and around the world. 

The Robert L. Bernstein fellowship enables an NYU Law School graduate to devote a year to full-time human rights work at HRIC. Founded in March 1989 by overseas Chinese students and scientists, HRIC is a Chinese non-governmental organization (NGO) which actively engages in case and policy advocacy, media and press work, and overall capacity building. Through our original publications and extensive translation work, HRIC also provides uncensored platforms for diverse Chinese voices, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western audiences. 

Job Description

The Robert L. Bernstein Fellow will devote one year to full-time human rights work with Human Rights in China. The Fellow will work closely with HRIC's lawyers and advocacy staff and contribute to HRIC’s interrelated advocacy, casework, research, and outreach. Work may include preparing specific policy, case, and legal briefs and submissions to human rights mechanisms at the UN, as well as HRIC contributions to other bilateral and multilateral fora; contributing to media and online advocacy; and conducting research for and drafting publications and reports on current issues and legal developments relevant to human rights in China.

Qualifications

• Graduate of NYU School of Law
• Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of international human rights
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong research skills
• Organization, self-motivation, and flexibility
• Relevant coursework, e.g., international human rights law, international law, global data law, Chinese law, and/or clinical experience
• Mandarin and/or Cantonese proficiency a plus (but not required)

Salary and Benefits

The salary for the 2026-2027 Fellow is $50,000, plus benefits.

Applications

Applications are due by December 12, 2025, and must include the following:

• Cover letter (max 500 words)
• Résumé
• Two letters of recommendation (may be submitted separately) 
• An official NYU transcript
• An essay of no more than 250 words, describing one key human rights challenge facing China

Please send a complete application for the 2026–2027 fellowship, including transcript and essay, by December 12, 2025, to [email protected].

Qualified applicants will be interviewed remotely in January 2026, and the start date for the fellowship will be on or around August 1, 2026 (may be adjusted on request). Please direct inquiries to [email protected].  

Human Rights in China is an equal opportunity employer.