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 Faculty of Education
HKU has been involved in teacher education since 1917, and the Faculty of Education was established in 1984. The Faculty of Education is forward-looking and world leading, ranking 3rd globally in Education (QS 2025). It has assumed an important role in educational research and professional training as a major provider of teacher education programmes and has contributed significantly to education policy and development in Hong Kong with its strong expertise in policy analysis and curriculum development. The Faculty was also the first in Hong Kong to offer degree programmes that train speech therapists and audiologists for the local community. More information about the Faculty can be found at https://web.edu.hku.hk/.
The Position
We now invite applications for appointment as Professor/Associate Professor in Developmental Psychology in the Faculty of Education.
Duties and Responsibilities
The appointee will be closely affiliated with the Early Childhood Development and Education area. He/She will be expected to develop and sustain an active and productive research programme, demonstrated by publications in prestigious outlets and awards of external funding, and contribute to leading the development of vibrant teaching programmes. The appointee will mentor and nurture the next generation of scholars and researchers, supervise research postgraduate students, engage in collaborative research, develop and maintain positive relations with relevant community outreach organizations, and assume high-level service/administrative responsibilities.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should possess (i) a Ph.D. degree in Developmental Psychology or a closely related field, with expertise in early language, cognitive, and/or social-emotional development, professional development of early years and primary school educators, the measurement of early childhood development and learning, the role of family, school, community, and global and technological contexts in early childhood development, or other related areas; (ii) a distinguished record of scholarship and research, including an established track record in publications and external grant funding; (iii) experience in advising students at various levels; (iv) outstanding academic leadership capabilities; (v) a strong commitment to mentoring early career researchers; and (vi) evidence of community engagement. Preference will be given to those with experience in or commitment to working with cross-disciplinary research teams.
What We Offer
The appointment will be made on a fixed-term full-time contract for 3 years initially, to commence on August 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the possibility of renewal and consideration for tenure before the expiry of the second three-year fixed-term contract. Outstanding candidates may be considered for appointment with tenure.
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.
How to Apply
The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University’s careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload a cover letter indicating the earliest availability date, an up-to-date C.V. with the contact information of three referees, one sample of a representative research output, a research plan of not more than 2 pages, and a teaching statement of not more than 2 pages. Review of applications will start on January 19, 2026 and continue until February 16, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
Applicants who have responded to the previous advertisement (Ref.: 531749) need not re-apply.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and
is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency
