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 about 29,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students who are recruited globally, and more than 2,500 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 the fourth globally in Education (THE 2019).  It has assumed an important role in educational research and professional training and has contributed significantly to education policy and development in Hong Kong.  It is a major teacher-education institution and has strong expertise in policy analysis and curriculum development.  It was the first institution in Hong Kong to train speech therapists and audiologists for the local community. More information about the Faculty of Education can be found at https://web.edu.hku.hk/.

The Position

Applications are invited for appointment as Professor in STEM Education, to commence on September 1, 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter, on a three-year fixed-term basis with the possibility of renewal.  Candidates with extensive experience and demonstrated outstanding academic achievement may be considered for direct tenure, subject to approval. 

The Faculty of Education is seeking to break new ground with fresh initiatives and innovative curricula across several key areas, including Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and STEM Education, with Teacher Education as the focal point for the Faculty. STEM Education is a priority in Hong Kong, to which the government has allocated substantial resources and support.

The ideal candidate should be a well-established international scholar in STEM Education/teacher education, who is capable of taking up a leadership role and other responsibilities, including but not limited to

• visioning, leading and participating in collaborative and interdisciplinary research in STEM and related areas;
• teaching in the Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science (BEd&BSc) double degree programmes as well as postgraduate programmes;
• supervising research postgraduate (PhD) students;
• providing leadership in curriculum development, and developing innovative courses, including Common Core Courses, around the trends and key issues in STEM Education;
• mentoring and nurturing the next generation of STEM scholars and researchers;
• developing a school/community engagement agenda aimed at promoting careers in STEM/Science Education; and
• taking up high-level administrative responsibilities as required.

The appointee will research, inform and enhance the teaching of STEM, seeking to promote STEM education in Hong Kong, the Asia-Pacific region and globally.

Key Requirements

Applicants should possess

• a first degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or STEM-related subjects, and a Ph.D. degree in Science Education, Mathematics Education or an area related to STEM Education;
• demonstrated experience in and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of STEM, and the intersection of education with STEM and/or Science;
• strong credentials and outstanding academic leadership capabilities;
• extensive experience in conducting externally funded and rigorous field-based research related to STEM Education with a distinguished record of scholarship; and
• demonstrated interest and expertise in informal learning and mentoring with a strong commitment to knowledge exchange/community engagement.

Knowledge of the education sector in Hong Kong would be a strong advantage.

Remuneration Package

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

The executive search firm Perrett Laver is supporting the Faculty of Education in this recruitment exercise. To apply, or to download further information on the required qualifications, skills and experience for the role, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference number 4099. Initial inquiries may be directed to Dr. Felix Chan by email (Felix.Chan@perrettlaver.com) or by phone (+852 3702 6493).

Applicants who have responded to the previous advertisement (Ref.: 201800276) need not re-apply.

Applications should consist of a covering letter together with an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).  The University will seek independent external assessments on shortlisted applicants. Review of applications will continue until the post is filled.