Foodthink Summer Internship Recruitment


This summer, Foodthink is looking for a few interns and part-time collaborators to work alongside us.
If you’re already keeping an eye on food, agriculture, environmental and rural issues, following developments in the food and agriculture sector, enjoy reading research, or are keen on content creation and uncovering compelling stories, we’d love for you to take a look at our open roles.
At Foodthink, you’ll have the opportunity to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments in the food and agriculture sector and exchange ideas with industry experts or field practitioners. You may also contribute to topic research and resource compilation, or help plan engaging food and agriculture initiatives to help more people understand and connect with food. We hope you bring your own curiosity and are willing to keep asking “why” when exploring a topic.
If you are not yet familiar with Foodthink, feel free to click here to read Today is Guyu: A Day for Opening Stored Goods.
Foodthink is currently hiring for roles in content synthesis, research assistance, and short-form video editing. If any of these positions sound interesting, please read on.
*All roles offer the opportunity to transition to permanent staff, though this option is only available to candidates already based in Beijing.
Content Synthesis (Intern / Part-time Writer)
Responsibilities
1. Continuously monitor developments in the international food and agriculture sector, covering topics such as global trade and agri-food policy, and compile the latest news and research findings.
2. Source, read, and adapt English-language materials—including academic papers, media reports, policy documents, and industry reports—to assist the editorial team in synthesising content and distilling key information.
3. Contribute to topic planning for Foodthink’s coverage of international issues, supporting the editorial team with article adaptation, background research, and in-depth content development.
4. Assist with pre-interview research, fact-checking, and information supplementation as required by the editorial team.
We are looking for someone who
1. Possesses strong English reading comprehension, capable of independently reading and accurately distilling key insights from English media reports, academic papers, and policy documents.
2. Demonstrates strong Chinese writing or translation skills, able to transform specialised reports into accessible articles for a general audience.
3. Has strong information retrieval and research organisation skills; adept at leveraging AI tools to boost productivity whilst understanding their limitations to prevent inaccuracies.
4. Shows a genuine interest in food, agriculture, the environment, labour, trade, and public policy, with a commitment to long-term tracking and in-depth understanding of these issues.
5. A fast learner with strong analytical skills; understands both global contexts and local realities, sensitive to domestic-international dynamics, and eager to explore how global shifts impact individuals, land, and production.
6. Meticulous and patient, with a strong sense of responsibility, a foundational awareness of fact-checking, and a good editorial instinct.
7. Previous experience in media writing, translation, content synthesis, or research is preferred.
Desirable criteria (not mandatory)
1. Experience in media writing, translation, content synthesis, or research.
2. A consistent habit of reading English-language media or academic publications.
3. Possesses a sharp editorial eye and maintains a sustained interest in international news and policy developments.
4. Familiarity with international agriculture, food policy, and environmental issues. Some foundational knowledge or practical experience in related fields such as climate change, social justice, agricultural technology, industry economics, biodiversity, ecology, or nutrition.
5. Degree in journalism, communications, foreign languages, Chinese studies, agriculture, environmental studies, sociology, anthropology, or a related field.
6. Proficiency in a foreign language other than English.
Research Assistant (Intern)
Responsibilities
1. Assist editorial and research colleagues in sourcing and organising materials, including Chinese and English academic papers, media reports, policy documents, and industry reports; conduct fact-checking and synthesise key information.
2. Contribute to topic planning for Foodthink’s small- to medium-scale research projects, supporting the research team with preliminary desk-based research.
3. Support the research team with fieldwork and organise field notes.
4. Assist in drafting, editing, translating, and proofreading research outputs.
We are looking for someone who
1. Possesses strong curiosity and an unwavering commitment to factual accuracy.
2. Maintains strong reading habits across Chinese and English media reports, academic papers, and policy documents, with the ability to assess and understand the reliability of sources.
3. Strong information retrieval and research organisation skills in both Chinese and English; adept at using AI tools to enhance productivity whilst recognising their limitations to avoid inaccuracies.
4. Interested in food, agriculture, the environment, labour, trade, and public policy, with a willingness to track and deeply understand these issues over the long term.
5. Familiar with user behaviours and algorithmic mechanisms on domestic and international social media platforms, capable of using them to identify valuable information and sources.
6. Meticulous and patient, with a strong sense of responsibility and effective time management skills.
7. Previous experience in desk research, fieldwork, academic writing, or media writing is preferred.
8. Work two to four days per week, including one to two days of on-site attendance.
Desirable criteria (not mandatory)
1. Previous involvement in research projects.
2. Familiarity with international agriculture, food policy, and environmental issues. Some foundational knowledge or practical experience in related fields such as climate change, social justice, agricultural technology, industry economics, biodiversity, ecology, or nutrition.
3. Currently studying or holding a degree in journalism, communications, Chinese studies, agriculture, environmental studies, sociology, anthropology, or a related discipline.
Short-form Video Production (Intern / Part-time)
Responsibilities
1. Manage the day-to-day operations of Foodthink’s WeChat Channels account, handling the full production cycle including video editing, cover design, and copywriting.
2. Contribute to short-form video content strategy, identifying and producing clips suitable for short-video formats drawn from events, interviews, editorial daily life, and topics covered by Foodthink.
3. Assist with filming, editing, packaging, and distribution of related content as project requirements dictate.
We are looking for someone who
1. Understands the rules and content strategies of video platforms such as WeChat Channels, Douyin, and Bilibili; familiar with short-video distribution dynamics, demonstrates platform savvy, and can capitalise on trending topics whilst aligning with the account’s tone.
2. Proficient in tools such as CapCut, Photoshop, Premiere, and Final Cut; understands the packaging logic for short videos, including subtitles, thumbnails, and titles; adept at leveraging AI, with filming experience considered a bonus.
3. Interested in the food and agriculture, environmental, and labour issues that Foodthink covers.
4. Possesses a keen editorial instinct; when faced with long-form interviews or complex content, can identify a compelling narrative angle for short-form video that holds viral potential.
5. Detail-oriented, meticulous, and patient, with a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to meet deadlines.
6. Previous experience in video editing or social media account management is preferred, along with a portfolio or relevant internship experience.
Desirable criteria (not mandatory)
1. Sustained interest in food, agriculture, rural communities, the environment, labour, and climate change, or relevant study, writing, or practical experience in these areas.
2. Experience shooting and editing personal interviews, documentaries, vlogs, or event coverage. Basic filming skills are a bonus.
3. Experience managing a personal short-video account or contributing to organisational account operations.
4. Able to use AI tools to assist with editing, copywriting, subtitle generation, or content strategy.
5. Currently studying or holding a degree in journalism, communications, advertising, photography, film, Chinese studies, agriculture, environmental studies, sociology, anthropology, or a related field.
Location & Schedule
• Haidian District, Beijing, close to Zhichunlu Station on Subway Lines 10 and 13.
• We would prefer interns to start during the summer, committing to a minimum of two months. We ask for at least 20 hours per week, with in-person attendance required on at least one day on either Tuesday or Thursday (the remainder can be worked remotely). Occasional participation in online or in-person events on weekday evenings or at weekends may also be required.
• Part-time roles can be worked remotely, with payment based on completed deliverables.
What we offer
• A relaxed and friendly working environment;
• The opportunity to publish your writing and creative work in Foodthink, with corresponding payment;
• The chance to visit leading ecological farms across the country and exchange ideas with the farming community out in the fields;
• The opportunity to connect with experts and practitioners in sustainable food and agriculture from across China and around the world;
• Two healthy lunches a week sourced from ecological farms (which also includes the chance to practise your cooking skills 😂).
– How to apply –
Scan the QR code below, or click “Read Original” at the end of the article to complete the application form, attaching your CV, portfolio, and any other relevant materials.

