Applications are invited for appointment as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology (Ref.: 534202), to commence in January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, on a three-year fixed-term basis with the possibility of renewal and consideration for tenure before the expiry of a second three-year fixed-term contract.
The Department of Sociology was founded in 1967 as the first sociology department in Hong Kong. It is based within the Faculty of Social Sciences and encompasses sociology, demography, criminology, and anthropology, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to the study of social issues anywhere in the world. The Department has strong traditions in qualitative research, particularly ethnographic and participatory methods, and has expanded its expertise in quantitative research, social statistics and demography. The 2026 QS World University Ranking rated the Department the 24th among the world’s top 200 universities in the subject of sociology. The Department offers a range of innovative and engaging taught programmes, including undergraduate major/minor programmes in Sociology, Criminology, and Media & Cultural Studies. In addition to research postgraduate degrees, it also offers three taught postgraduate programmes in Sociology, Criminology, and Media, Culture and Creative Cities. Its faculty, research postgraduate students and post-doctoral fellows, are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and excel in producing excellent scholarly research in the social sciences. The Department is also home to the HKU Anthropology Research Network. Information about the Department can be obtained at https://sociology.hku.hk.
Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology or a related field, and demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and academic leadership. Those who are specialised in cybercrime and/or digital harm, with a research background on issues such as surveillance, digital victimology, misinformation, artificial intelligence and crime, and financial crimes (such as online fraud and money laundering) are particularly welcome. A solid research track record in complementing digital methods with theory-driven and empirically grounded work on these topics is an advantage. The appointee is expected to publish research, teach at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervise students at graduate and undergraduate levels, and take on service/administrative responsibilities.
A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. At the 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, totaling up to 15% of the basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
Applicants should apply online at the University’s careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload (1) a cover letter, (2) an up-to-date CV with the contact information of three referees, (3) graduate transcripts and certificates, (4) one writing sample, (5) a research plan (two pages), (6) a teaching statement (also two pages) and teaching evaluations, and (7) outlines of two proposed undergraduate courses. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until July 1, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
