Professor/Associate Professor in Sociology (Social Stratification and Inequality / Population Studies)

Professor/Associate Professor in Sociology (Social
Stratification and Inequality / Population Studies) (Ref.:
537766)

Applications are invited for appointment as Professor / Associate
Professor in Sociology (Social Stratification and Inequality /
Population Studies) in the Department of Sociology, to commence on
September 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, on a
three-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of renewal, or
on direct tenure terms for exceptionally outstanding candidates
subject to the University’s approval.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Sociology,
Demography/Population Studies, or a closely related discipline, and
demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching,
research, and academic leadership.

They should demonstrate an exceptional track record of scholarly
leadership, including:

• High-impact publications in leading sociology, demography, or

interdisciplinary social science journals;

• A proven record of securing competitive external research

funding;

• Excellence in teaching and curriculum development at both

undergraduate and postgraduate levels; and

• A strong commitment to mentoring Ph.D. students and junior

faculty, as well as contributing to departmental and research
centre leadership.

The Department seeks candidates whose work addresses fundamental
sociological questions regarding how social, economic, and
demographic processes shape contemporary societies. We welcome
applications from scholars working in one or more of the following
areas:

• Social Stratification, Mobility, and Inequality (including

wealth and income inequality, labour markets, economic sociology,
and the future of work);

• Fertility, Family, and Gender (including low fertility,

marriage and family dynamics, and gender inequality);

• Population Processes and the Life Course (including population

ageing, health disparities, migration, and intergenerational
dynamics);

• Sociology of Education and Skill Formation; or
• Quantitative, Longitudinal, or Computational Sociology

addressing major patterns of social and demographic change.

Applicants employing rigorous empirical approaches—particularly
those leveraging longitudinal surveys, administrative data, causal
inference, or mixed/comparative methods—are especially encouraged
to apply. Existing expertise in Hong Kong, Mainland China, East
Asia, or comparative global contexts—or a strong research agenda
that bridges international scholarship with East Asian
societies—would be a distinct advantage.

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
2027, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2027, and 33rd in the
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027. More
information about HKU can be found at https://hku.hk/ .

Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology was founded in 1967 as the first
sociology department in Hong Kong. It is based within the Faculty
of Social Sciences and encompasses sociology, demography,
criminology, and anthropology, fostering an interdisciplinary
approach to the study of social issues anywhere in the world. The
Department has strong traditions in qualitative research,
particularly ethnographic and participatory methods, and has
expanded its expertise in quantitative research, social statistics
and demography. Building on these strengths, the Department plays a
leading role in the Research Hub of Population Studies (established
in 2024 to foster interdisciplinary demographic research) and the
HKU Stone Centre for Socio-Economic Inequality (established in
2025). The 2026 QS World University Ranking rated the Department
24th in the world in Sociology. 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 .

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 January 31, 2027 , or until the post is
filled, whichever is earlier.

Informal enquiries about the post and the Department may be
directed to Professor Tarani Chandola, Head of the Department of
Sociology at socihr@hku.hk
.

Advertised: Oct 30, 2026 (HK Time)

Applications close: Jan 31, 2027 (HK Time)