Work type: Full-time
Department: Faculty of Social Sciences (30000)
Categories: Professoriate Staff

Faculty of Social Sciences

The University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong 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 29,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 50 countries, and more than 2,500 members of academic and academic-related staff coming from multi-cultural backgrounds, many of whom are internationally renowned.

The Faculty of Social Sciences

Ranked 2nd in Asia, the Faculty of Social Sciences consists of six Departments: Geography, Politics and Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, Sociology, and the Journalism and Media Studies Centre. Underpinning the Departments are three research clusters: Cities 2050, Contemporary China, and Mental Wellness. These clusters represent the areas of strength within the Faculty, in which the Faculty is investing further resources to elevate the scale and impact of the research. In addition, we are also building a Methods Hub for Research, Policy, and Practice to strengthen our quantitative and qualitative methods expertise in research and teaching. We have a thriving set of undergraduate programmes, including dual degree programmes with various international partners, an excellent research, postgraduate MPhil and PhD programme, and a variety of professionally-oriented Master’s and Doctoral taught programmes.

Mental Wellness Research Cluster

The Mental Wellness Research Cluster was established in 2018. By bringing researchers with different expertise in the Faculty together, we hope to build a world-class research programme in the area of mental wellness, aiming to improve mental wellness in the diverse communities of Hong Kong. In close and coherent collaboration with the Faculty’s centres and laboratories, the Research Cluster is targeted to create synergy effect in research on different aspects of mental wellness, including brain and emotions, gerontology, positive ageing, mental health challenges across all sectors of society, enhancement of social bonds across groups of people, promoting mental wellness in diverse communities, and use of social media in facilitating mental wellness. Further information about the Mental Wellness Research Cluster can be found at https://www.socsc.hku.hk/researchclusters/mentalwellness/

The Position

Applications are invited for appointment as Professor for Mental Wellness Research Cluster, to commence as soon as possible, on a three-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal and with consideration for tenure before the expiry of a second three-year fixed-term contract. Direct tenure may be offered to outstanding candidates, subject to approval.

Applicants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds in the social sciences are welcome to apply. The formal academic home for the appointment will be in the relevant academic Department. The Faculty values diverse research methodologies. We are particularly committed to upgrading our expertise in quantitative methods, and welcome applicants with relevant expertise.

Applicants should possess a track record of high impact publications and a sustained record of success at obtaining large-scale competitive research funding. Experience in raising philanthropic funds will be an advantage, as well as the demonstrated ability to create real-world impact through their research agenda. Applicants who are able to reach out to colleagues across the disciplines in our Faculty and University are preferred.

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 Social Sciences 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 3786. Initial inquiries may be directed to Dr. Xin Wei at Xin.Wei@perrettlaver.com.

Applications should consist of a cover letter together with an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) and related dossier. Review of applications will start on December 30, 2019 and continue until January 13, 2020.

The University is an equal opportunities employer
and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency