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Director of the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences



Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong is committed to the highest international standards of excellence in teaching and learning, research and discovery, and has been at the forefront of academic scholarship for many years. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world's top universities: 2ndin Asia and 25thin the world (QS 2019), 9thin the world for Graduate Employability (QS 2020), and was identified as the most international university by Times Higher Education (World's Most International Universities 2019). The University has a comprehensive range of study programmes and research disciplines, with 29,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students coming from some 100 countries, and a complement of 2,500 professoriate and academic related members of staff, many of whom are internationally acclaimed as leaders in their discipline.

Director of the
Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences
(Ref: 499913)


Applications and nominations are invited for appointment as Director of the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences ("The Institute") on the tenure track, to commence on July 1, 2021 initially on a three-year renewable basis from as soon as possible. The post will be held at the Professor level. A clearly distinguished record of academic achievements by highest international standards may attract the conferment of Chair Professor title.

The Institute was established in 2001 with a mission to promote innovative work in the humanities and social sciences, nurture critical thinking and broaden the horizons of a future generation of academic leaders. Through coordinated research and exposure at the postgraduate and post-doctoral levels, the Institute generates integrated programs that transcend disciplinary, institutional, geographical and generational boundaries. It provides an arena for dialogue with diverse substance and a common focus. The critical community of thinkers and practitioners will hopefully exert profound influence on education, culture, and societal development in Hong Kong, China and an interconnected Asia. The Institute is driven by research initiatives which have won highly competitive grants and engage with a global network of colleagues and institutional partners. The Institute currently comprises a small number of junior researchers, senior visitors, and a highly committed administrative staff. It has successfully created joint positions with various faculties within the University, the Institute is one of the two non-Faculty-based institutes directly funded by the University. Further information about the Institute can be obtained at https://www.hkihss.hku.hk .

We expect the new Director to be a scholar of distinction in his or her discipline, preferably in the humanities and social sciences. The candidate should have a demonstrated record of broad, inter-disciplinary research interests and program building. Familiarity with public and private funding agencies and a willingness to network with global academic, policy and business communities will be an asset. The Director is expected to build on the existing strengths of the Institute, infuse it with vision and forge collaborative and synergistic links within and beyond the University to build an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences in Asia. Enquiries about the post may be addressed to the Secretary of the Search Committee at mariey@hku.hk and questions about the Institute may be sent to ihsshrfi@hku.hk . Further information about the post can be obtained at https://www.hr.hku.hk/apptunit/HKIHSS_Director_job_spec.pdf .

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered. The appointment will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary, as well as generous leave, and medical/dental benefits. Housing benefits will also be provided.

The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University's career site and upload an up-to-date C.V. and relevant documents. Review of applications will begin in summer 2020 and will continue until the post is filled. Tentatively, the first batch of interviews will be arranged around November 2020. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications on or before May 31, 2020, to ensure timely consideration. The University thanks applicants for their interest, but advises that only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be notified of the application result.

Advertised: Apr 2, 2020 (HK Time)
Applications close:

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