University of Hong Kong

Ref.: 533833 Work type: Full-time Department: School of Modern Languages and Cultures (05100) Categories: Professoriate Staff Applications are invited for appointment as Professor and Head of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts (Ref.: 533833). We are seeking a distinguished scholar with a strong commitment to research, teaching, knowledge exchange, and community-building engagement. This is a prestigious leadership position that would provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to shape the School's development and take it to new heights. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be of stature equivalent to that of a Full Professor with tenure at a research-intensive institution, to carry out an inspiring vision for the grand challenges of area studies and world languages. The most highly qualified candidates may be considered for appointment with the Chair Professor title. The University Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university by upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 33rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, and is recognised as the 4th most international university in 2025. Home to ten disciplinary Faculties (Architecture, Arts, Business and Economics, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Sciences), the University is committed to fostering interdisciplinary exchange with an outlook for transformative breakthroughs, innovations, and global impact. There are 42,330 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 97 countries, and more than 9,600 academic, academic-related, and administrative staff. The University has embarked on several ambitious infrastructure and facilities projects required for future expansion. The School of Modern Languages and Cultures (SMLC) Founded in 2006, the School of Modern Languages and Cultures (SMLC) is the premier center for language and area studies in Hong Kong and the region (ranked 17th in QS World University 2025 subject rankings for modern languages) and is the most international part of the university. The School offers 3 undergraduate majors (Global and Area Studies, Japanese Studies, and Korean Studies) and 13 language programmes (Arabic, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, and Turkish). Undergraduate students in all 3 majors are expected to embark on two to three years of language study, complemented by area studies courses taught in the English medium of instruction. The School also offers research postgraduate (MPhil and PhD) programmes and will be launching taught postgraduate (MA) programmes. The Role The Head of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures is expected to: Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the School, ensuring it aligns with the academic missions of HKU over two 3-year terms. Develop and uphold the highest international standards of research and teaching, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across global and area studies, literary studies, cultural studies, international relations, and emerging fields in the humanities. Optimise the deployment of human, financial and other resources in the School. Cultivate an inclusive and vibrant intellectual community that attracts top-tier scholars and students, fostering dialogue across languages, cultures, and disciplines. Expand the School’s international collaborations and networks, reinforcing its role as a leading hub for global dialogue on language, culture, and transnational studies. Qualifications and Qualities PhD in a related field and of stature equivalent to full or chair professor rank. A distinguished record of academic achievements and international recognition in research, scholarship, and teaching. Be a leading researcher. Expertise in area, field, and period is open, but should have a deep focus on at least one region of the world. Experts in  Central Asia, East Asia (Japan and/or Korea), Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and Southeast Asia are encouraged to apply. Able to teach, conduct, and publish research, and perform administrative functions in English, and applicants are expected to have comprehensive professional proficiency in one or more of the 13 languages currently offered by SMLC and/or other languages. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate this proficiency during the interview process. Candidates with experience supervising teaching units with language staff are highly encouraged to apply.  Proven experience in leadership and university-level administration. A strong international network and a demonstrated ability to secure research funding. Effective interpersonal communication skills and a high standard of personal integrity. The ability and willingness to represent the interests of the discipline and the School in the broader community. Compensation and Benefits A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and professional leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.  Application The University only accepts online applications for the above post. To ensure full consideration applicants should apply online and uploads: (1) a CV with publication list, (2) a cover letter, (3) an outline of strategic vision as the Head of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures. Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and continue until February 23, 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 of all genders to apply.

Ref.: 533916 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Physics (25600) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow Applications are invited for appointment as Post-doctoral Fellows in all-optical ultracold atom-ion hybrid experiments inside a multimode confocal cavity in the Department of Physics (Ref.: 533916), to commence as soon as possible for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Physics or relevant areas. Those with experience in atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) experiments are welcome to apply. The appointees will work with Prof. Zhendong Zhang to pursue research in all-optical trapping and manipulation of ultracold ions and atoms enabled by synthetic micro-optical modes inside a multimode cavity. Prof. Zhang’s research interests cover topics in AMO physics, including quantum simulation of strongly correlated physics, ultracold chemistry and precision measurements. The current publications of Prof. Zhang can be found at: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=-mbKVoEAAAAJ&hl=en A 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 University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V., a cover letter and a list of publications. They should also arrange 2 referees to send reference letters to Prof. Zhang by e-mail (zhendong@hku.hk) directly. Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until January 31, 2026, 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.: 533927 Work type: Full-time Department: Faculty of Arts (04000) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow Research Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Arts (Ref. 533927) The Museum Studies Programme in the Faculty of Arts is seeking a Research Assistant Professor to work on a project titled “Scientific Analysis of Chinese Painting,” in collaboration with the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) and the Laboratory for Conservation and Science at HKU’s University Museum and Art Gallery (LCSD), to commence in January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of three years. The appointee will conduct their analytical work in the Laboratory for Conservation and Science at HKU’s University Museum and Art Gallery, as well as at the Conservation Office of the LCSD, on Chinese paintings from the HKMoA collection. This Fellowship aims to support research into the development of material techniques and practices in Chinese painting, including ink, pigments, seals, supports, and mounting methods. The primary duties of the appointee will include the following: Perform scientific research: (a) to characterize materials, structures and components of Chinese paintings; (b) to broaden ways of studying these artworks, and (c) to synthesize scientific findings to address art historical questions and preservation challenges. Use advanced imaging technologies and scientific methods to uncover regional and historical differences in artistic practices and their broader significance for art history and conservation science. Publish scientific research in cultural heritage science and technical art history in excellent scholarly venues. Maintain working relationships with curators and conservators at HKMoA/LCSD, as well as with HKU’s faculty and technical staff, to foster collaborative research projects and publications focused on cultural heritage science. This may include overseeing efforts to engage selected students with the field of conservation. Work with the Principal Investigator of the Laboratory for Conservation and Science and the Head of Conservation at LCSD to foster understanding and assimilation of results and approaches of scientific research in the arts among curators, conservators, university professors and their students, administrators, other staff, the general public, and other HKU and HKMoA/LCSD stakeholders. Teach not less than one and up to two courses per year, and offer one workshop on the analysis of Chinese paintings. Travel to attend conferences, present papers, and share research with colleagues in Hong Kong, China, and internationally. The appointee will lead at least one trip during the fellowship with selected students to world-leading museums and/or conservation labs for overseas learning and training purposes. Perform any other duties as directed by the Dean of Arts or the Director of the Museum Studies Programme or the PI. Applicants must have a PhD degree in Chemistry, Material Science and Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines, or in Conservation/Heritage/Archaeological Science prior to the start of the fellowship. The degree must have been obtained within the last three years. Applicants should also be familiar with relevant scientific instrumentation such as infrared and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence as well as data science skills. A strong interest in art conservation and art history, in particular, Chinese painting art history is required and previous experience in art-related research is desirable. The appointee will also be affiliated with HKU’s Society of Fellows in the Humanities (SoF). A highly competitive package including medical benefits, annual leave, and conference and research support will be offered to the successful applicants. At current rates, salaries tax does not exceed 15% of gross income. Applicants should apply online through the University’s careers website (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload an up-to-date CV, cover letter, up to three recent peer-reviewed publications in PDFs, along with 2 letters of recommendation (academic or professional). Review of applications will commence from January 15, 2026 and continue until February 28, 2026 or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The University is committed to diversity and inclusivity. The Faculty of Arts expressly encourages qualified persons from all genders to apply.