THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
Applications are invited for appointment as Professor and Head of the School of Humanities, Faculty of Arts (Ref.: 533654). 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 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 a number of ambitious infrastructure and facilities projects required for future expansion.
The School of Humanities (SoH)
The School of Humanities (SoH) is the leading centre for humanities research and teaching in Hong Kong and the region. Many of the School’s constituent units rank highly in global league tables, and its professoriate includes some of the world’s most distinguished humanities scholars. The SoH excels in research output and grant acquisition, with faculty regularly publishing in top-tier presses and journals and securing prestigious external grants and fellowships. As the most disciplinarily diverse School in the Faculty of Arts, the SoH comprises distinct research and teaching units. All units offer innovative major and minor BA programmes, as well as MPhil and PhD programmes, ensuring comprehensive and well-rounded education at every level. Students in the SoH engage with pressing contemporary issues, graduating with a deeper understanding of the world and their role within it.
The Role
The Head of the School of Humanities 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.
- Ensure the development of and adherence to the highest international standards of teaching and research.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration for developing innovation in Humanities research and teaching that also translate into knowledge exchange.
- Help to recruit world-class talents in the Humanities and build and mentor a critical mass of top researchers across all disciplines.
- Enhance global connections and align with international standards in the fields of the Humanities.
Qualifications and Qualities
- PhD in a related field.
- Distinguished record of academic achievements and international recognition in research, scholarship and teaching.
- Proven record of visionary leadership and administrative experience in a university setting.
- Strong international network and experience in securing research funding.
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 at the University’s careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload: (1) a CV with publication list, (2) a cover letter, (3) an outline of your strategic vision as the Head of the School of Humanities. 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.
