Tenure-Track Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education

The University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is committed to the highest international standards of excellence in teaching and research, and has been at the international forefront of academic scholarship for many years. The University has a comprehensive range of study programmes and research disciplines spread across 10 faculties and over 140 academic departments and institutes/centres. There are around 30,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students who are recruited globally, and more than 4,000 members of academic and academic-related staff coming from multi-cultural backgrounds, many of whom are internationally renowned. Further information about the University can be found on the website https://www.hku.hk/ .

The Faculty of Education

HKU has been involved in teacher education since 1917, and the Faculty of Education was established in 1984. The Faculty of Education is forward-looking and world leading, ranking fifth globally in Education (THE 2021). It has assumed an important role in educational research and professional training as a major provider of teacher education programmes and has contributed significantly to education policy and development in Hong Kong with its strong expertise in policy analysis and curriculum development. The Faculty was also the first in Hong Kong to offer degree programmes that train speech therapists and audiologists for the local community. More information about the Faculty can be found at https://web.edu.hku.hk/ .

The Position
Applications are invited for appointment as Tenure-Track Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education in the Faculty of Education (Ref.: 507944), to commence on July 1, 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter, on a three-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal and with consideration for tenure before the expiry of the second three-year fixed-term contract. Applicants for Professor position should possess strong academic credentials, outstanding academic leadership capabilities, extensive experience in conducting externally funded and rigorous field-based research, and a distinguished record of scholarship. Exceptionally outstanding candidates at Professor/Associate Professor level may be considered for appointment on tenure terms.

Applicants should possess (i) a doctorate degree in early childhood education or a closely related field; (ii) tertiary teaching experience; (iii) practical knowledge of/experience in working with young children and/or their families; and (iv) demonstrated ability to conduct research, publish, and obtain external funding. They should have expertise in any of the following areas of early childhood education: child development, curriculum, instruction, assessment, pedagogical practices, language and literacy, mathematics, and special education. Those with direct teaching experience in early childhood settings; knowledge of early childhood programmes; experience with online learning at the university level; commitment to preservice teacher preparation; and knowledge of Chinese educational contexts are preferred. Knowledge of the local context would be an advantage.

The appointee will teach early childhood development and education/pedagogy courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, provide service to various early childhood education programmes; and lead and participate in collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts with colleagues across the University. He/She will also supervise research postgraduate students, contribute actively to research and knowledge exchange, and assume service/administrative responsibilities as appropriate. Those appointed at the senior level will also lead collaborative and interdisciplinary initiatives in research and knowledge exchange, mentor and nurture the next generation of scholars and researchers, and assume high-level service/administrative responsibilities.

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.

The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload a cover letter indicating the earliest availability date, an up-to-date C.V. with the contact information of three referees, one sample of a representative research output, a research plan of not more than 2 pages, and a teaching statement of not more than 2 pages with a link to a sample video clip to demonstrate the applicant’s teaching in not more than 20 minutes. Review of applications will start on September 17, 2021 and continue until the post is filled.

Advertised: Aug 13, 2021 (HK Time)
Applications close: