Professor and Director of HKU Research Hub of Population Studies

The University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong has attained pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university, comprising 36,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and more than 8,500 full-time professoriate, academic and professional services staff. Through upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research pursuits, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community, HKU is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities : 26th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, 2nd in the 2024 QS Asia University Rankings 2024, and #1 most international university in the world in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. More information about HKU can be found at  / .

Research Hub of Population Studies

Launched by the Faculty of Social Sciences at The University of Hong Kong, HKU Research Hub of Population Studies aims to provide an understanding of local, national, regional, and international demographic patterns, encompassing six research areas : Ageing, Children and Family, Gender and Sexuality, Health and Mortality, Population and Development, and Urbanisation and Migration. The Hub focuses on multi-disciplinary research concerning various population-related issues and public policy, addressing the global needs for theoretical, methodological, and practical advancements in population and health research. HKU Research Hub of Population Studies is determined to achieve the following :

a) To lead university-wide initiatives to examine the trends, causes, and consequences of population processes;

b) To provide a platform for communication among leading population scientists and dissemination of the latest cutting-edge interdisciplinary population research findings;

c) To serve as a bridge between academia and the wider community on population-relevant issues, facilitating dialogues among academics, policymakers, and community leaders to formulate evidence-based population policies;

d) To develop professional training programmes in Population Studies, equipping students with highly sought-after knowledge in demography and data analysis skills.

Further information about the Hub can be obtained at .

Department of Sociology

HKU sociology is one of the leading sociology departments in the world, and we are consistently ranked among the top Sociology departments in Asia. The Department was ranked 24th in the world in 2024 (QS World University Rankings). We offer a range of innovative and engaging taught programmes, including undergraduate major / minor programmes in Sociology, Criminology and Media and Cultural Studies. Our taught postgraduate programmes provide intellectually stimulating advanced study in Criminology and Media, Culture & Creative Cities. We also offer MPhil / PhD programmes that develop outstanding independent researchers. Further information about the Department can be obtained at .

The Position

The Faculty is seeking an outstanding scholar with proven international leadership in research, teaching and knowledge exchange in the field of demography or population studies. Applications are invited for appointment as Professor within the Department of Sociology, with a start date of July 1, 2025 or at the earliest convenience. Direct tenure may be offered to qualified candidates, subject to approval. The successful candidate will be entrusted with leadership roles in the recently established HKU Research Hub of Population Studies for an initial three-year term, renewable subject to mutual agreement.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Sociology, Demography, Criminology, or related fields, he / she should have a strong research track record with publications in leading academic journals. The appointee is expected to maintain an active research programme, and be responsible for teaching courses and supervising students at both graduate and undergraduate levels, as well as contributing to the administration of academic programmes.

What We Offer

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. At current rates, salaries tax does not exceed 15% of gross income. The appointment will attract a contract- end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

How to Apply

Applications should include the following :

• a cover letter
• an up-to-date CV
• any other relevant supporting documents

Completed applications should be uploaded via this page.

Perrett Laver is an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Information provided will be treated in strict confidence and used only for recruitment purposes.

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