Professor/Associate/Assistant Professor in Global Iberian Empires (History)

Applications are invited for appointment as Professor/Associate Professor on tenure terms or tenure-track Assistant Professor in Global Iberian Empires in the School of Humanities (History) (Ref.: 536969), to commence on August 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Appointment as Assistant Professor will be made on a three-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal and with consideration for tenure before the expiry of a second three-year fixed-term contract. 

The Department of History seeks candidates for this position, specializing in the early modern Iberian empires (1450-1800). Candidates should demonstrate a research profile that is intrinsically comparative and global in scope, highlighting connections forged by Spain and/or Portugal with the Americas, Asia, and Africa. We particularly welcome scholars working in social and cultural history, especially those whose research engages with slavery and dependency studies, women’s and gender studies, and/or indigenous studies. The successful candidate will be expected to teach broad surveys in Latin American history. Preference will be given to candidates whose current or future research also engages with maritime East Asia. 

HKU is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and 33rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. The Department of History nurtures a lively research-intensive culture in a vibrant global city. Our faculty specialize in international, transnational, and connective histories, with a particular strength in the intersections between Asia and the wider world. We offer a highly popular and expanding undergraduate Major in History and play a vital role in the Faculty of Arts, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and innovations through conferences, workshops, and speaker series. All of the Department’s courses are taught in English. The Department is committed to advancing the careers of junior scholars and provides a range of funding to support research activities. 

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in History and demonstrate a strong research profile with a commitment to innovative, research-led teaching. The successful candidate will be expected to sustain world-class research output, secure competitive research funding, excel in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching (including thesis supervision), and contribute actively to departmental leadership and academic administration. HKU and the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) offer generous research funding across disciplines. For more details about the Department, visit http://www.history.hku.hk. Enquiries about the post may be directed to Professor Christine Walker, Chairperson of the Department (email: cwalker@hku.hk). 

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. 

The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload a curriculum vitae, a cover letter (two pages maximum), a research statement, a writing sample, and syllabi of two courses. Applicants should also arrange three reference letters to be sent by their referees to sohappt@hku.hk. Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until October 5, 2026, or until the posts are filled, whichever is earlier. 

The University is committed to diversity and inclusivity. The Faculty of Arts expressly encourages qualified persons from all genders to apply. 

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