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

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 at the University’s career site by clicking the 'Apply' button 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. 

The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency