Applications are invited for appointment as Professor and Head of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts (Ref.: 533833). We are seeking a distinguished scholar with a strong commitment to research, teaching, knowledge exchange, and community-building engagement. This is a prestigious leadership position that would provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to shape the School's development and take it to new heights. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be of stature equivalent to that of a Full Professor with tenure at a research-intensive institution, to carry out an inspiring vision for the grand challenges of area studies and world languages. The most highly qualified candidates may be considered for appointment with the Chair Professor title.
The University
Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university by upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 33rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, and is recognised as the 4th most international university in 2025.
Home to ten disciplinary Faculties (Architecture, Arts, Business and Economics, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Sciences), the University is committed to fostering interdisciplinary exchange with an outlook for transformative breakthroughs, innovations, and global impact. There are 42,330 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 97 countries, and more than 9,600 academic, academic-related, and administrative staff. The University has embarked on several ambitious infrastructure and facilities projects required for future expansion.
The School of Modern Languages and Cultures (SMLC)
Founded in 2006, the School of Modern Languages and Cultures (SMLC) is the premier center for language and area studies in Hong Kong and the region (ranked 17th in QS World University 2025 subject rankings for modern languages) and is the most international part of the university. The School offers 3 undergraduate majors (Global and Area Studies, Japanese Studies, and Korean Studies) and 13 language programmes (Arabic, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, and Turkish). Undergraduate students in all 3 majors are expected to embark on two to three years of language study, complemented by area studies courses taught in the English medium of instruction. The School also offers research postgraduate (MPhil and PhD) programmes and will be launching taught postgraduate (MA) programmes.
The Role
The Head of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures is expected to:
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the School, ensuring it aligns with the academic missions of HKU over two 3-year terms.
- Develop and uphold the highest international standards of research and teaching, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across global and area studies, literary studies, cultural studies, international relations, and emerging fields in the humanities.
- Optimise the deployment of human, financial and other resources in the School.
- Cultivate an inclusive and vibrant intellectual community that attracts top-tier scholars and students, fostering dialogue across languages, cultures, and disciplines.
- Expand the School’s international collaborations and networks, reinforcing its role as a leading hub for global dialogue on language, culture, and transnational studies.
Qualifications and Qualities
- PhD in a related field and of stature equivalent to full or chair professor rank.
- A distinguished record of academic achievements and international recognition in research, scholarship, and teaching.
- Be a leading researcher. Expertise in area, field, and period is open, but should have a deep focus on at least one region of the world. Experts in Central Asia, East Asia (Japan and/or Korea), Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and Southeast Asia are encouraged to apply.
- Able to teach, conduct, and publish research, and perform administrative functions in English, and applicants are expected to have comprehensive professional proficiency in one or more of the 13 languages currently offered by SMLC and/or other languages. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate this proficiency during the interview process. Candidates with experience supervising teaching units with language staff are highly encouraged to apply.
- Proven experience in leadership and university-level administration.
- A strong international network and a demonstrated ability to secure research funding.
- Effective interpersonal communication skills and a high standard of personal integrity.
- The ability and willingness to represent the interests of the discipline and the School in the broader community.
Compensation and Benefits
A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and professional leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
Application
The University only accepts online applications for the above post. To ensure full consideration applicants should apply online and uploads: (1) a CV with publication list, (2) a cover letter, (3) an outline of strategic vision as the Head of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures. Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and continue until February 23, 2026 or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
The University is committed to diversity and inclusivity. The Faculty of Arts expressly encourages qualified persons of all genders to apply.
