Professor and Head of the School of Chinese

Applications are invited for appointment as Professor and Head of the School of Chinese, Faculty of Arts (Ref.: 533525).  We are seeking a distinguished scholar with a strong commitment to research, teaching, knowledge exchange and community engagement. This is a prestigious leadership position which would provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to shape the development of the School and to take it to new heights. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be of a stature equivalent to a Full Professor with tenure, with an inspiring vision of the grand challenges and prospects of the Chinese Humanities. 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 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 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 Chinese (SoC)

Founded in 1927, the School of Chinese is one of the oldest academic units at The University of Hong Kong, with a remarkably rich history. Through the pioneering efforts of its trailblazers and the dedication of their successors, the School has established a distinguished tradition of excellence in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship, encompassing Chinese language, literature, history, culture, and translation. Today, the School consists of three distinctive yet closely connected sections: the School Proper (which consists of four programmes—in Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History and Culture, Translation, and Hong Kong Studies), the Chinese Language Enhancement Programme (CLEP), and the Chinese Language Centre (CLC). United by a shared mission, they strive to deliver a high-quality Chinese education grounded in cutting-edge research.

The Role

The Head of the School of Chinese 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 teaching and research.
• Foster cutting-edge scholarship by bridging traditional Chinese studies with emerging fields, while promoting knowledge exchange that amplifies the School’s societal and academic impact.
• Optimise the deployment of human, financial and other resources in the School.
• Cultivate a vibrant intellectual community that strengthens the School’s research profile across its core disciplines.
• Expand the School’s international collaborations, reinforcing its role as a leading hub for comparative studies on China and the world, utilising innovative approaches to deepen cross-cultural academic dialogue.

Qualifications and Qualities

• PhD in a related field.
• A distinguished record of academic achievements and international recognition in research, scholarship and teaching.
• Proven experience in visionary 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 School in the wider community.
• The ability to teach in Chinese is desirable.

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 at the University’s careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and uploads: (1) a CV with publication list, (2) a cover letter, (3) an outline of your strategic vision as the Head of the School of Chinese.  Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and continue until January 16, 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.