Department of Applied Social Sciences
Assistant Professor in Social Policy and Administration / Sociology, Anthropology and Philosophy
(Ref. 260803003)
As one of the largest social sciences departments in the Asian Pacific region, the Department of Applied Social Sciences offers research degrees at MPhil and PhD levels as well as taught programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various disciplines.
The Department is home to many thriving research and practice units: Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship, Child Development Centre, China and Global Development Network, and Professional Practice and Assessment Centre. It is also strongly connected with the Institute of Active Ageing of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and other health related disciplines. They provide platforms for collaborative research, practice projects, and policy discussions with government departments and NGOs. Focused areas of research in the Department include but not limited to: (a) family, child, youth and ageing studies; (b) psychology, mental health, and health; (c) social work and human service management; (d) social policy, social welfare, and community development; and (e) social theory, and the Chinese Mainland and global social development.
Please visit the website at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/ for more information about the Department.
Duties
The appointee will be required to:
(a) teach subjects in the discipline of Social Policy and Administration / Sociology, Anthropology and Philosophy and/or related subjects;
(b) contribute to the development and enhancement of teaching and learning;
(c) lead and/or participate in the planning, management and curriculum development of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes;
(d) develop e-learning modules and design innovative pedagogy;
(e) secure external competitive research grants, conduct academic research, publish in good quality peer-reviewed journals, and provide academic leadership in teaching, research and other scholarly activities;
(f) carry out academic and administrative duties as required; and
(g) perform any other duties as assigned by the Head of Unit or his/her delegates.
Qualifications
Applicants should:
(a) have a PhD degree in Social Policy and Administration / Sociology, Anthropology and Philosophy or other related disciplines;
(b) have a solid academic background as well as research and teaching expertise in the Chinese Mainland’s technological development and its impact on social development worldwide, including social impacts of AI and emerging technology, tech-driven social innovation, digital governance, and China’s social development and role in a global context;
(c) possess strong capabilities in one or more of the Department’s existing core domains, including (i) social policy and accountability, with a focus on social policy analysis, social planning, comparative social policy, and health/labour/welfare policy; (ii) innovation and social development, with a focus on social entrepreneurship, labour and migration, and land and environment; and (iii) health, culture, and society, with a focus on sociology/anthropology of health, digital and techno-culture, and regional/area studies;
(d) have proven track records in teaching and research;
(e) have demonstrated record for establishing significant externally funded research programmes;
(f) have considerable experience in academic programme planning, management and curriculum development;
(g) demonstrate potential for research excellence, with proven ability to publish in high-quality journals being an advantage;
(h) be open to the use of e-learning and blended learning strategies in teaching and scholarship; and
(i) have local and international connections in research and professional capacities.
Conditions of Service
A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered. Initial appointment will be on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract. Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement. For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf.
Consideration of applications will commence on 17 August 2026 until the position is filled.
Posting date: 3 August 2026