Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Physical Geography (Ref.: 536999)
About the Department
Founded in 1931, the Department of Geography at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has consistently ranked among the world's leading geography departments. According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the Department is ranked 11th globally, 2nd in Asia, and 1st in Hong Kong; in the 2025 ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), it is ranked 14th in Geography and 11th in Remote Sensing worldwide. HKU is ranked 11th overall in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. The Department offers comprehensive bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes and is experiencing strong growth, including the recent launch of a Master of Science in Geospatial Data Sciences. Faculty members are actively engaged in research spanning three key themes: Geospatial Data Sciences (e.g., remote sensing and Geographic Information Science [GIS]), Environmental Change and Sustainability, and Cities, Culture and Society. The Department's scholarly work is supported by a Cartographical Library and four laboratories. For more information, please visit www.geog.hku.hk.
The Position
Applications are invited for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Physical Geography, to commence as soon as possible.
The Department seeks a dynamic and innovative scholar with a strong foundation in physical geography and demonstrated expertise in applying artificial intelligence (AI) to pressing environmental challenges. The successful candidate will bridge physical geography with cutting-edge computational and AI-driven methodologies, contributing to the Department's strategic vision of integrating geospatial data sciences with environmental and sustainability research.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Conduct high-impact, internationally recognised interdisciplinary research in physical geography, addressing geographic questions in areas such as land-atmosphere interactions, environmental change, and Earth surface system science.
- Publish consistently in top-tier, peer-reviewed international journals.
- Develop and secure competitive external research funding.
- Teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, contribute to curriculum development, and design new courses relevant to the Department's programmes.
- Supervise postgraduate research students, including MPhil and PhD students.
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across the Department's three research themes and with external partners.
- Contribute to departmental service, administration, and knowledge exchange activities.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in Geography, Earth System Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate strong expertise in physical geography, such as climate change, biogeography, hydrology, land surface processes, planetary health, or environmental systems.
- Have a strong record of high-impact publications in reputable international peer-reviewed journals.
- Demonstrate experience in, or clear potential for, securing competitive research grants.
- Have experience in, or show clear potential for, university-level teaching and postgraduate student supervision.
Candidates with 2-3 years of postdoctoral experience are preferred. Experience with AI-driven Earth observation data analysis, physically based modelling, ecological and carbon cycle research, public health research, or environmental monitoring systems will be considered an advantage.
Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be made on a fixed-term, full-time contract for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of renewal and consideration for tenure before the expiry of the second three-year fixed-term contract. 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 a University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided, as applicable.
How to Apply
The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload: (1) an up-to-date CV; (2) a cover letter; (3) a three-year research plan; (4) a statement of teaching philosophy; (5) outlines of three proposed undergraduate courses; and (6) contact information for three referees. Review of applications will begin on 1 October 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Enquiries may be directed to Professor Shunlin Liang, Head of Department, at shunlin@hku.hk.
