University dining hall seeks intellectual leader with PhD, sparks controversy in academic circles
A high-profile university in Nanjing, China, has caused a stir online for demanding a doctoral degree for the role of a canteen manager. Southeast University, one of the country's elite institutions associated with the "985" and "211" projects, posted an advertisement on their official website on May 22.
Controversy has arisen over the job posting seeking suitable candidates for the role of canteen office manager at the university. The university's prestigious status and potential connections to better career opportunities have not dissuaded critics, who view the doctoral degree requirement as wasteful and indicative of the competitive education environment known as "neijuan."
The advertised duties for the position include overseeing culinary development, managing canteen contractors, ensuring food safety, and handling administrative tasks. Applicants must demonstrate fluency in English and proficiency in office software, with a preference for those with relevant experience and Communist Party membership.
The controversial requirement for a PhD in this role has sparked debate on social media, with many questioning the wisdom of using a doctoral degree for a canteen management position. Despite this, the job is still considered desirable due to its stability and high salary (180,000 yuan/year) compared to the average wage in urban China.
The university is reportedly inclined to prioritize candidates with majors or experience in cuisine, nutrition, or a cooking certificate. However, the PhD requirement remains a contentious issue, leading to speculation that the position may have been specifically tailored for a candidate possessing both a PhD and culinary expertise.
The controversy surrounding the job posting at Southeast University, a renowned institution associated with education-and-self-development and career-development opportunities, has arisen over the requirement of a doctoral degree for the role of canteen manager. Despite the desirability of the position due to its stability and high salary, critics view the PhD requirement as wasteful and indicative of the competitive education environment.
