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 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 Faculty of Social Sciences, HKU
The Faculty of Social Sciences of The University of Hong Kong was established in 1967 and has undergone rapid expansion and significant transformation since then. It comprises five Departments, two Schools, eight research Centres, and one research Hub. The Faculty aims to contribute to the advancement of society and the development of leaders locally, regionally, and globally, seeking to make a positive social contribution through a global presence, regional significance and engagement with the rest of China. The Faculty delivers impact through internationalisation, innovation, and interdisciplinary research. It attracts and nurtures global scholars through excellence in research, teaching and learning, and knowledge exchange.
The Faculty has been a major research hub in the region and is ranked 5th in Asia and 22nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Among the five Departments, three are ranked top 3 in Asia and three are ranked top 25 in the world. The Faculty’s ongoing success propels it toward the goal of becoming the foremost social sciences institution in Asia. More information about the Faculty can be found at https://www.socsc.hku.hk.
The Position
The Faculty is seeking an outstanding scholar with proven international leadership in research, teaching, and knowledge exchange in the field of Computational Social Science. Applications are invited for appointment as Professor / Associate Professor within the Faculty of Social Sciences, with a start date of January 1, 2027, or at the earliest convenience.
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in social sciences or a related field, with a focus on computational social sciences. The candidate should possess expertise in developing and applying cutting-edge computational and quantitative methods in social sciences, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. The candidate should have a proven ability to work on cross-disciplinary social science topics and a strong interest in exploring AI, society, and social dynamics. Competitive candidates for this position should have a scholarly track record with evidence of high-quality research and publications in leading academic journals.
He/She will also be responsible for teaching courses and supervising students at both graduate and undergraduate levels, as well as contributing to the administration of academic programmes.
What We Offer
A highly competitive salary 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.
Nominations and Applications
HKU has retained Perrett Laver Ltd, an executive search firm, to assist with the search. All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and applications (including resume and letter of interest responding to the requirements outlined in the position profile) should be directed in confidence to Mr. Matthew Foreman at matthew.foreman@perrettlaver.com.
Review of nominations and applications will continue until May 31, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
