Professor/Associate Professor in Demography / Population Studies

Applications are invited for appointment as Professor / Associate Professor in Demography / Population Studies in the Department of Sociology (Ref.: 536252), to commence on January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Exceptionally outstanding candidates may be considered for appointment on direct tenure terms subject to the University’s approval. The successful candidate may entrust with leadership roles in the recently established HKU Research Hub of Population Studies.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Demography or Sociology, and demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and academic leadership. Candidates should have a strong scholarly track record, including high-quality research and publications in leading academic journals, and demonstrate the ability to contribute to the Department’s research and teaching in population-related areas. The Department is particularly interested in applicants with expertise in areas such as low fertility societies, family and life-course dynamics, migration, health and mortality, and computational, digital or AI-related approaches to population research. We welcome applicants with diverse theoretical and methodological approaches, preferably with an Asian focus.

The University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university through upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research pursuits, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 11th in the 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. More information about HKU can be found at https://hku.hk/.

Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology at HKU is the first sociology department in Hong Kong. The Department was ranked 24th in the world in Sociology in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. The Department offers a range of innovative and engaging taught programmes, including undergraduate major/minor programmes in Sociology, Criminology, and Media & Cultural Studies. In addition to research postgraduate degrees, it also offers three taught postgraduate programmes in Sociology, Criminology, and Media, Culture and Creative Cities. Its faculty, research postgraduate students and post-doctoral fellows, are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and excel in producing excellent scholarly research in the social sciences. The Department is also home to the HKU Anthropology Research Network. Information about the Department can be obtained at https://sociology.hku.hk.

HKU Research Hub of Population Studies

Launched by the Faculty of Social Sciences at The University of Hong Kong, the HKU Research Hub of Population Studies aims to provide an understanding of local, national, regional, and international demographic patterns, encompassing six research areas: Ageing, Children and Family, Gender and Sexuality, Health and Mortality, Population and Development, and Urbanisation and Migration. The Hub focuses on multi-disciplinary research concerning various population-related issues and public policy, addressing the global needs for theoretical, methodological, and practical advancements in population and health research.

The Hub aims to strengthen theoretical, methodological, and policy-relevant research in population and health studies. It serves as a University-wide platform for collaboration among population scientists, promotes the dissemination of cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, and facilitates dialogue between academia, policymakers, and the wider community on evidence-based population policies. The Hub also supports the development of professional training in Population Studies, including demography and data analysis. Further information about the Hub can be obtained at https://www.socsc.hku.hk/rhps/.

What We Offer

A competitive remuneration package 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) a cover letter, (2) an up-to-date C.V., (3) a research statement and (4) a teaching statement, and state the contact information of three referees on the online application form. At least one of the referees should comment on your research/teaching ability and your contribution to research/teaching in your Department, while the remaining two should have knowledge of your recent academic or employment experience. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until July 31, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.