Post-doctoral Fellow in Data Protection Law

Ref.: 515381
Work type: Full-time
Department: Department of Law (18100)
Categories: Academic-related Staff
Hong Kong

Applications are invited for appointment as Post-doctoral Fellow in Data Protection Law in the Department of Law (Ref.: 515381), to commence on August 15, 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter for one year, with the possibility of renewal.

The University of Hong Kong Healthy High Density Cities Lab has secured a Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) grant for designing a scalable, privacy-preserving platform to track infectious airborne diseases. The Lab is assembling a group of scientists at the cutting edge of issues concerning Privacy, Health, Engineering, and the Built-Environment to implement an end-to-end proof of concept for this Spatial Exposure Notification (SEN) research project. The SEN system is based on a new class of low-cost, Internet-of-Things sensor devices embedded within smart lightbulbs that interoperates with and addresses deficiencies of the existing Google/Apple Exposure Notification (GAEN) framework. The smart lightbulb devices detect Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals transmitted by mobile phones as part of GAEN and communicate the measurements wirelessly to a nearby routing hub via the Thread network protocol. Measurements are aggregated and processed in a backend server, and follow the confirmation of an infection event; notifications of potential exposure are communicated to individual mobile phones.

The appointee will be working together with a world-leading group of scholars across a variety of fields and will be responsible for providing sound advice on all legal matters concerning the SEN project. He/She will be expected to develop and pursue a coherent agenda of interdisciplinary scholarship; research complex ideas, concepts or theories, and apply appropriate methodologies; present research at domestic and international conferences; develop a body of high-quality publications in scholarly journals; and drive forward global impact.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Law or related discipline. In the latter case, they should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law (and, ideally, an LLM or equivalent degree), with substantive previous legal experience. They should have:

• Expertise in Data Protection Law and its interface with technology, with solid understanding of conceptual and policy developments in the field. Knowledge of Data Protection Law in Hong Kong, as well as previous experience in issues related to Locational Privacy and Health, are a significant plus;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
• Keen interest and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary setting;
• Sensitivity and commitment to cultural awareness;
• A problem-solving mindset and the ability to work with a high degree of independence;
• Proven capacity to develop and pursue a coherent research agenda; and
• Exceptional potential to develop a body of high-quality publications.

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.

Enquiries about the duties of the post should be sent to Dr. Marcelo Thompson at marcelo.thompson@hku.hk .

The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until July 29, 2022, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.

Advertised: Jul 5, 2022 (HK Time)
Applications close: Jul 29, 2022 (HK Time)