Chinese university canteen recruits manager who must have PhD, sparks debate

A university in eastern China recruiting a canteen manager has sparked controversy online by requiring job candidates to hold a doctoral degree.

Southeast University in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, posted a recruitment advertisement on its official website on May 22.

As a top institution in China affiliated with the government’s “985” and “211” projects, Southeast University is among only 39 mainland universities, including the prestigious Tsinghua and Peking universities, considered an entry ticket to better job or further study opportunities.

In the advertisement for the position of office manager for the university’s canteens, candidates are required to have a doctoral degree.

Duties for this role include overseeing the development and preparation of dishes, managing canteen contractors, supervising food safety, and handling administrative paperwork.

Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English and office software, with preference given to those with relevant work experience and Communist Party membership.