Research Assistant Professor / Post-doctoral Fellow

Work type: Full-time
Department: Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (45400)
Categories: Academic-related Staff

Applications are invited for appointment as Research Assistant Professor (RAP) / Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) (2 posts) in (1) Early Chinese History and Archaeology and (2) Chinese Archaeology and Early Complex Societies at the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (Ref.: 513921), to commence as soon as possible, on a two-year fixed-term basis for RAP or on a two-year temporary basis for PDF, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement.

The Institute was established in 2001 with a mission to promote innovative work in the humanities and social sciences, nurture critical thinking and broaden the horizons of a future generation of academic leaders. Through coordinated research and exposure at the postgraduate and post-doctoral levels, the Institute generates integrated programs that transcend disciplinary, institutional, geographical and generational boundaries. It provides an arena for dialogue with diverse substance and a common focus. The critical community of thinkers and practitioners will hopefully exert profound influence on education, culture, and societal development in Hong Kong, China and an interconnected Asia. The Institute is driven by research initiatives which have won highly competitive grants and engage with a global network of colleagues and institutional partners. The Institute is one of a few non-Faculty-based institutes directly funded by the University. Further information about the Institute can be obtained at https://www.hkihss.hku.hk .

The appointees will join the Quantitative History Cluster led by Professor Zhiwu Chen at the Institute. The Cluster explores the historical roots of China’s development in the prehistoric and historic periods. Drawing on historical archives and statistical tools, quantitative history is a rising interdisciplinary research area that links history to other disciplines such as economics, finance, sociology, political science, archaeology, and earth science.

Post (1) Research Assistant Professor (RAP) / Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) in Early Chinese History and Archaeology. Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree with research experience in early Chinese history, Chinese archaeology, or quantitative history areas. They should demonstrate both the ability to work across disciplines and leadership skills in managing a team to drive forward new research initiatives. They should have a strong track record of high-quality research, plus the ability to reach out to international scholars in related fields and promote quantitative archaeology and early Chinese history research. Research experience in spatial and text-based quantitative analysis of early Chinese history and database coordination work would be an advantage.

Post (2) Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) in Chinese Archaeology and Early Complex Societies. Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in archaeology with research experience on early states and complex societies in China, Chinese archaeology, or political economy of ancient states. They should demonstrate the ability to work across disciplines in driving forward new research initiatives and have a strong track record of high-quality research as indicated by publications. Research experience in inter-settlement trade links in early and prehistoric China would be a plus.

The appointees will work on the projects of the Quantitative History Cluster. They will be expected to conduct research and prepare research programs, grant proposal, publications and reports, and to contribute to the organization of academic activities of the Cluster. There will be opportunities for participation in teaching programs.

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. For RAP, the appointment on fixed terms will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary.  

The University only accepts online applications for the above posts. Applicants should indicate specifically the post they are applying for. Applicants are required to upload: (1) an up-to-date CV; (2) a research statement; and (3) at least one article (either a working paper, Ph.D. dissertation, or a published paper). Please state information of at least two referees on the online application form.

Applicants should invite two referees to send confidential reference letters to [email protected] . At least one of the referees should comment on his/her research/teaching ability and his/her contribution to research/teaching in his/her Department, while the other should have knowledge of his/her recent academic or employment experience. 

Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until May 30, 2022 or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. Enquiries about these posts can be sent to [email protected] .