Tenure-Track Assistant Professor: Cybercrime & Digital Harm

Position

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology (Ref.: 534202), to commence in January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, on a three-year fixed-term basis with the possibility of renewal and consideration for tenure before the expiry of a second three-year fixed-term contract.

Department Overview

The Department of Sociology was founded in 1967 as the first sociology department in Hong Kong. It is within the Faculty of Social Sciences and encompasses sociology, demography, criminology, and anthropology, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to the study of social issues worldwide. The department has strong traditions in qualitative research, particularly ethnographic and participatory methods, and has expanded its expertise in quantitative research, social statistics, and demography. The 2026 QS World University Ranking rated the department the 24th among the world’s top 200 universities in the subject of sociology.

The department offers a range of innovative and engaging taught programmes, including undergraduate major/minor programmes in Sociology, Criminology, and Media & Cultural Studies. In addition to research postgraduate degrees, it also offers three taught postgraduate programmes in Sociology, Criminology, and Media, Culture and Creative Cities. Its faculty, research postgraduate students and post-doctoral fellows are actively engaged in cutting‑edge research and excel in producing excellent scholarly research in the social sciences. The department is also home to the HKU Anthropology Research Network.

Information about the department can be obtained at

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology or a related field.
• Strong commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and academic leadership.
• Specialisation in cybercrime and/or digital harm with a research background on issues such as surveillance, digital victimology, misinformation, artificial intelligence and crime, and financial crimes (such as online fraud and money laundering) is particularly welcome.
• A solid research track record in complementing digital methods with theory-driven and empirically grounded work on these topics is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Publish research and contribute to the department’s research agenda.
• Teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Supervise students at graduate and undergraduate levels.
• Take on service/administrative responsibilities.

Benefits

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. At the current rates, salary tax does not exceed 15% of gross income. The appointment will attract a contract-end gratuity and university contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totaling up to 15% of the basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

Application Deadline

Applications close: July 1, 2026.