Work type: Full-time
Department: Department of Architecture (01100)
Categories: Professoriate Staff

Applications are invited for appointment as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Design in the Department of Architecture (Ref. 515714), to commence on September 1, 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter, on a three-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal and consideration for tenure before the expiry of a second three-year fixed-term contract.

The Department of Architecture is internationally recognised as one of the world’s best architectural schools.  The Department provides an active and dynamic research environment, and the scholars and professionals who constitute the teaching staff represent a diversity of research interests.  The scale and breadth of case studies in the region offers a potential portfolio of innovative research projects and a laboratory structure offers opportunities to pool efforts, cross disciplinary boundaries and develop forums for exchange.  The Department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in an intense and demanding environment, where staff members take an active part in shaping the Department’s culture through both teaching and administrative responsibilities.  The promising and energetic community of students come from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia, and across the world.  Information about the Department can be obtained at http://arch.hku.hk.

Applicants should possess a postgraduate degree in Design or a related discipline.  Preference will be given to those holding qualifications and/or a Ph.D. degree in Design or an affiliated discipline, and to those who have experience in teaching and practicing design in a multidisciplinary context.  They should demonstrate an established record of research, teaching and critical practice in the form of design projects or creative work, and the capacity to integrate different elements of their research and practice into teaching.  As the Department moves towards strengthening international links with academic institutions and innovators in design throughout Asia and the world, applicants who have a record of building such partnerships are encouraged to apply.  Strong writing skills and grant-writing experience are also desirable, as staff are expected to pursue funding opportunities to advance their research.

The appointee is expected to teach design studios at the undergraduate level in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Design+ programme, a four-year degree aiming at nurturing highly effective, adaptive, and creative graduates capable of leading across multiple disciplines.  Transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries, the programme is structured around design as a foundational approach to interdisciplinary studies, innovation and entrepreneurship.  It prepares students to be creative visionaries who excel at leading multi-disciplinary project teams to achieve environmentally and socially viable solutions to complex problems.  The appointee will be required to conduct research, teach design studios at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and supervise thesis for postgraduate students.  In addition, the appointee may be required to teach lecture courses and/or seminars in one or more of the following subject areas: design history and theory, technology, and sustainable design.

For enquiries about the post, please write to Dr. Eric H. Schuldenfrei, Head of the Department of Architecture (e-mail: applyarc@hku.hk).

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 an up-to-date C.V., a cover letter, a one-page teaching statement, a one-page statement on advancing diversity and inclusion, the contact information of three senior academics who are familiar with the applicant’s teaching background and experience, and a research and teaching portfolio (less than 20MB, 20 pages maximum).  Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until August 11, 2022, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.