School of Design
Research Associate / Research Assistant (Full-time/Part-time)
(Ref. 260917013)
(1) Research Associate (Full-time/Part-time) (several posts)
(2) Research Assistant (Full-time/Part-time) (several posts)
[Appointment period: each for twenty-four months initially, with possibility of further appointment]
Duties
The appointees will assist the project leader in the research projects – “Strengthening physical literacy for preschoolers” and “Enhancing mental wellness of the elderly by mind-friendly estate model”.
The project “Strengthening physical literacy for preschoolers” led by the School of Design with support from the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation is to conduct user-centered design research, develop/prototype/implement product-spatial intervention strategies, and develop instructional materials to support teaching and research activities. The project team will also assume a pivotal role in translating design research and product-spatial interventions into frontline design practices. This encompasses co-designing and facilitating interactive workshops, capacity-building, stakeholder engagement, developing educational toolkits and self-help training manuals, conducting on-site spatial and storage consultations, executing stakeholder engagement programmes externally, processing recording and analysis, and the publication and dissemination of knowledge related to the initiatives.
They will be required to:
(a) coordinate or assist in conducting theme-based desktop and fieldwork research, user’s patterns mapping, spatial/site observation fieldnotes and related documentation as required by the client and project team to support knowledge transfer and dissemination;
(b) coordinate or assist in defining and implementing the research methodology for service recipients, encompassing concept exploration, prototyping and tests, preparation of technical documents (including detailed production drawings, construction documents, interior detailing, and procurement), selection of design intervention, as well as installation and quality assurance;
(c) coordinate or assist in planning, designing and co-delivering multi-tier participatory art and design workshops for stakeholders across project and network schools, including co-development of the toolkits and design-thinking activity kits, organising events and collaborating with community stakeholders, recording and promoting the research and project processes and outcomes;
(d) collaborate and communicate effectively with all stakeholders, and assist in monitoring project progress, developing strategic plans, managing client expectations, and preparing reports for the funder to ensure the project remains on track; and
(e) perform any other duties as assigned by the project leader or his delegates.
The appointees may be required to work occasionally outside normal office hours, including weekday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays.
Qualifications
Applicants for the Research Associate post should have a master’s degree in Design, Science or Humanities or a good honours degree in the said disciplines with three or more years of research/relevant work experience.
Applicants for the Research Assistant post should have an honours degree in the above-mentioned disciplines or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants should also have:
(a) experience in both research and administration in field-based studies, particularly within the design and capacity building of community stakeholders;
(b) an excellent command of both written and spoken English and Chinese including Cantonese for editing and report writing;
(c) knowledge of the major industry-standard design software, and Microsoft Office including Excel; and
(d) strong competencies in community-engagement, including organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
Preference will be given to those who have prior experience or understanding in preschooler education environment, community engagement and contextual study in Hong Kong.
Applicants are invited to contact Prof. Brian Lee at telephone no. 3400 8270 or via email at brian.yh.lee@polyu.edu.hk for further information.
Conditions of Service
For full-time appointments, a highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.
For part-time appointments, the remuneration rates are HK$181 per hour for the post of Research Associate and HK$125 per hour for the post of Research Assistant.
Consideration of applications will commence on 24 September 2026 until the positions are filled.
Posting date: 17 September 2026