Work type: Full-time
Department: School of Modern Languages and Cultures (05100)
Categories: Professoriate Staff

Applications are invited for appointment as Tenure-Track Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor in Japanese Studies (Japan and the World) in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures (Ref.: 515134), to commence on July 1, 2023 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 a second three-year fixed-term contract.  The level of appointment will be determined based on qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Exceptionally outstanding candidates at the Professor/Associate Professor level may be considered for appointment on tenure terms subject to approval.

The Department of Japanese Studies in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Hong Kong is one of the leading departments on Japan in East Asia.  The Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and research postgraduate (M.Phil. and Ph.D.) programmes in Japanese Studies with an interdisciplinary orientation.  Its team of 12 full-time professoriate and language staff is actively engaged in cutting-edge research and teaching.  Information about the Department can be obtained at https://japanese.hku.hk.

Applicants should have an internationally recognised record of research excellence and possess native or near-native fluency in Japanese and English.  We particularly encourage applications from scholars specializing in modern or contemporary Japan, whose work engages in the study of Japan in connection to other cultures and world regions, including in East Asia and beyond.  Relevant areas of specialization include such fields as Anthropology, Sociology, International Relations, Media and Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, Literature, History, and other related areas. A digital approach to humanities, either methodologically or as research involving digital media (animation, gaming, etc.), is an additional advantage.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field and have extensive research and teaching experience at the tertiary level, with a strong track record of publications and research grants.  The appointee is expected to teach at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervise research students, conduct high quality scholarly research in the related fields, and assist in administration.  An appointee at the Professor level should be an internationally recognised leader in his/her field and be willing to provide academic leadership relevant to the School of Modern Languages and Cultures and the strategic development of the Faculty of Arts.  The appointee will be expected to contribute to teaching suitable for both the Major in Japanese Studies and the new Major in Global Studies. The University and the Hong Kong Research Grants Council provide substantial competitive research funding.

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 applications for the above post.  Applicants should apply online and upload (1) an up-to-date C.V., (2) a cover letter, (3) one representative writing sample of journal article length, and (4) outlines of two proposed undergraduate courses.  Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until October 1, 2022 or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. 

The University is committed to diversity and inclusivity. The Faculty of Arts expressly encourages qualified persons from all genders to apply.