Applications are invited for appointments as Research Assistant I/II at the Centre for Quantitative History (CQH) of the Faculty of Business and Economics (several posts) (Ref.: 534625) to commence as soon as possible on one-year temporary terms, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance.
About the Centre for Quantitative History (CQH)
The Centre for Quantitative History (CQH) is a focal institution studying economic, financial, and social history in a quantitative fashion, hosted at the HKU Business School in collaboration with the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences. The Centre was founded as an Area of Excellence designated and funded by the Research Grants Council of the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong. More information about the Centre can be found at www.cqh.hku.hk.
The Role
The appointees will assist the Principal Investigators, collaborators and research affiliates of the Centre in various research projects and the related coordination work. A significant part of the role will involve careful and methodical data collection, compilation, and verification — including routine and detailed tasks that are essential for ensuring research accuracy. They will also assist the Centre's senior researcher and administrative staff with event support and other operational needs.
The position is well suited for candidates who plan to apply for a PhD in economics or economic history and who wish to gain hands-on experience in structured research environments.
Qualifications and Qualities
Applicants should possess a recognised Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree (preferably in Economics, Finance, History, Archaeology, or Social Science disciplines), with a good command of both English and Chinese, econometrics, and computer literacy. They should have a strong sense of responsibility, attention to detail, the ability to work independently, capacity to work collaboratively with supervisors and team members, and the motivation to learn.
Applicants who have quantitative skills and experience with Stata, R, GIS, and/or Python would have an advantage and should have a strong interest in working with historical data. They must also be comfortable performing meticulous and sometimes repetitive data-related work, as this is a core part of the position.
What We Offer
We provide a dynamic work environment focused on innovation, offering a chance to contribute to impactful data projects. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. The appointment on two-year fixed terms will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme totaling up to 10% of the basic salary during the total contract period.
How to Apply
The University only accepts online applications for the above posts. Applicants should apply online at the University’s careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload the following documents:
- a cover letter;
- an up-to-date C.V.;
- a writing sample (working paper and/or research proposal); and
- a recommendation letter from an academic referee.
Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until June 30, 2026, or until the posts are filled, whichever is earlier. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. Once selected, the University would offer assistance in obtaining a work permit in Hong Kong. Enquiries about the posts should be sent to cqhmail@hku.hk.
