University of Hong Kong

Ref.: 537605 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy (21300) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow Post-doctoral Fellow in LNP-assisted Gene-Editing for Neurodegeneration (Ref.: 537605) We now invite applicants to join the JC STEM Lab of Nanomedicine for Advanced Therapy (PI: Professor Khuloud Al-Jamal) at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy. We are a highly collaborative research team developing an innovative lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing platform for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to evaluate single and dual gene knockout strategies targeting two key modifiers of disease pathology, as a novel non-viral therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of our lab is to leverage lipid nanoparticle-mediated gene editing to overcome the limitations of current ALS therapies, spanning gene editing technology, nanoparticle-based delivery, in vivo disease modelling, and computational systems analysis to translate a precise, broadly applicable gene therapy strategy toward clinical relevance. Duties and Responsibilities: Design and evaluate CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing strategies for single and dual gene knockout in disease-relevant models. Formulate, characterise and optimise lipid nanoparticles for the encapsulation and delivery of gene editing payloads. Conduct in vivo animal studies, including administration of LNP-based therapeutics, sample collection, and disease progression monitoring. Perform behavioural studies and phenotypic assessments in disease mouse models to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Apply immunohistochemistry to determine tissue- and cell-type-specific targeting and delivery precision. Conduct western blot and molecular analyses to quantify target protein knockout and pathological markers. Support transcriptomic studies and contribute to computational modelling of molecular interplay. Collaborate internationally, prepare reports and protocols, and contribute to grant and manuscript writing. Supervise students and disseminate findings through publications and conference presentations. Collaborate with other team member to ensure effective synergy between various projects.  Requirements: Education and Expertise: A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related field is required. Strong biological skills and a proven research track record in gene editing or nanoparticle-based therapeutics. Demonstrated experience in scientific writing and publication. Research Skills: Hands-on expertise in gene editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas systems, including guide RNA design and editing validation. Experience in LNP formulation, characterisation, and nucleic acid payload encapsulation is essential. Familiarity with neurodegenerative disease biology, particularly neuroinflammation, microglial activation, and neuroprotection mechanisms. Proficiency in in vivo experiments including behavioural studies is a plus. Expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques such as western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture (mainly motor neurons). Administrative and Collaborative Skills: Ability to manage a research programme financially and administratively under the guidance of the Principal Investigator. Ability to work independently with excellent problem-solving skills, collaborate within a team, and supervise students. High attention to detail in experimental design and execution with a willingness to adapt to new procedures and undergo further training as necessary. Language and Technical Competence: Excellent communication, command of written and spoken English. Capable of contributing to grant writing and funding applications. Proficient in IT skills for efficient data management and communication within the research programme including but not limited to the data management, analysis, and reporting. What We Offer: The appointment will commence as soon as possible on a temporary basis for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and project progress. A competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered. Other benefits include annual leave, medical benefits and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. How to Apply: 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 start as soon as possible and continue until January 31, 2027, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency

Ref.: 537604 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy (21300) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow Post-doctoral Fellow in Hydrogel-Enabled Peptide Brain Delivery (Ref.: 537604) We now invite applicants to join the JC STEM Lab of Nanomedicine for Advanced Therapy (PI: Professor Khuloud Al-Jamal) at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy. We are a highly collaborative research team working on an advanced, nose-to-brain hydrogel delivery platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (ND), including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). We are looking to recruit highly motivated postdoctoral fellows and/or research staff to design, synthesise and evaluate novel peptide analogues and biodegradable hydrogels capable of bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for precise, non-invasive brain-targeted therapy. The aim of our lab is to leverage nanomaterials and biocompatible hydrogel platforms to overcome the limited brain bioavailability, rapid degradation, and systemic side effects that currently restrict peptide-based therapeutics for neurodegenerative disease. Our research spans peptide chemistry, nanomaterial/hydrogel engineering, nose-to-brain (N2B) delivery, and translational in vivo disease modelling, aiming to create real-world impact for patients living with ALS, FTD, AD, and PD. Duties and Responsibilities: The candidate should be competent in peptides and hydrogel syntheses and bioconjugation reactions, along with purification and structural characterisation of synthesised compounds. Proficiency is needed in a range of analytical instrumentation, including HPLC, LC-MS, 1H-NMR, gel permeation chromatography, and surface plasmon resonance. The role requires hands-on experience designing, cross-linking, and characterising polymer-based nanomaterials and hydrogels, including evaluating physicochemical properties. Core biological skills include running ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell-based binding or activity assays, along with general cell culture technique across different cell lines. The candidate should be capable of conducting animal studies, including dosing, biological sample collection, pharmacokinetic sampling, and behavioural assessment, within an ethically approved framework. The candidate should work closely with collaborators on model development, sample sharing, and data analysis. Prepare study protocols, reports, and contribute to manuscript writing. Supervise and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students. Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Requirements: Education and Expertise: Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Strong biological skills with a proven track record of high-quality research involving peptide or nanomaterial-based therapeutics. Demonstrated experience in scientific writing and publication. Research Skills: Hands-on expertise in nanomaterials and hydrogel formulation, characterisation, and optimisation. Experience in peptide synthesis and bioconjugation chemistry. Strong background in brain delivery strategies, including nose-to-brain (N2B) delivery and blood-brain barrier (BBB) targeting. Familiarity with neurodegenerative disease biology, particularly neuroinflammation, microglial activation, and neuroprotection mechanisms. Proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques: ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture (neuronal and nasal epithelial cell lines). Experience with in vivo rodent models, including pharmacokinetic sampling and behavioural testing. Desirable Skills: Experience with radiolabelling and associated detection techniques such as liquid scintillation counting, autoradiography). Experience with analytical instrumentation and analyses software (e.g., HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and GPC). Familiarity with Design-Expert or similar formulation optimisation software. Administrative and Collaborative Skills: Ability to manage a research programme financially and administratively under the guidance of the Principal Investigator. Ability to work independently with excellent problem-solving skills, collaborate within a team, and supervise students. High attention to detail in experimental design and execution with a willingness to adapt to new procedures and undergo further training as necessary. Language and Technical Competence: Excellent communication, command of written and spoken English. Capable of contributing to grant writing and funding applications. Proficient in IT skills for efficient data management and communication within the research programme including but not limited to the data management, analysis, and reporting. What We Offer: The appointment will commence as soon as possible on a temporary basis for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and project progress. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered. Other benefits include annual leave, medical benefits and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. How to Apply: 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 start as soon as possible and continue until January 31, 2027, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency

Ref.: 537591 Work type: Full-time Department: School of Chinese (04100) Categories: Teaching Staff Applications are invited for appointment as Lecturer in Hong Kong Studies in the School of Chinese (Ref.: 537591), to commence on January 1, 2027, on a one-year temporary basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance. Hong Kong Studies is the first undergraduate programme to focus on Hong Kong in a comprehensive structure in any university, not only in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region but also overseas. As an interdisciplinary programme, it combines the perspectives and curricular strengths of a variety of disciplines - including literature, art history, history, sociology, politics, economics, and journalism - to give students a broad-based education on Hong Kong’s society, culture, creative industries, economy, politics, history and environment. The Programme adopts a “problem-based” approach where students engage with core issues in Hong Kong’s evolution, such as the interaction between citizens and rulers, the creation of a Hong Kong identity, the city’s global influence as a cultural and financial hub, and its role as a transition zone for ideas, capital and people. More information can be found on the School’s website at https://web.chinese.hku.hk. Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Hong Kong literature and culture or a related field, with at least 3 years’ post-qualification teaching experience at the tertiary level or equivalent professional experience preferred. A demonstrated capacity to develop and teach courses in one or more of the following areas would be favourably considered: Hong Kong literature, Hong Kong print media, Hong Kong food culture, and/or cultural studies. The appointee will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses within the Hong Kong Studies programme, supervising capstone projects, and undertaking administrative duties as assigned by the Programme Coordinator. Fluency in English, Putonghua, and Cantonese, along with excellent communication and presentation skills, are required. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University's careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload an up-to-date C.V. and a portfolio of past teaching materials and evaluations. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until November 30, 2026, 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.