Lecturer in Social Data Analytics

The University of Hong Kong

Applications are invited for an appointment as Lecturer in Social Data Analytics (Ref.: 523736) in the Faculty of Social Sciences, to commence as soon as possible, on a two-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.

The Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS) is launching a new degree in Computational Social Sciences (CSS) and Social Data Analytics (SDA). Social Data Analytics refers to the analysis of large or complex data that arise from human and social interactions, with a greater emphasis on social sciences data and theories in SDA in comparison to CSS.

Duties and Responsibilities

The programme will include courses on the following subjects and the Lecturer is expected to teach on some (but not all) the courses:

•    Introduction to social data analytics
•    Statistical foundations
•    Machine learning
•    Research design and inference in the social sciences
•    Programming for social scientists
•    Big data solutions to social problems
•    Simulating human behaviours with agent-based models
•    Text as data: Natural language processing and social research
•    Social network analysis
•    Media data analysis
•    Capstone project
•    Summer boot camp on mathematics, statistics, programming and database management

Selection Criteria

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree or above in computational social science or a relevant technical field who can teach Python- and R-based courses on modern computational social science methods at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Priority will be given to those with:

1.    The ability to teach Machine Learning, Programming (Python-based), Natural language processing and Social Network Analysis courses on modern computational social science methods at the graduate level;
2.    A track record of completed projects working with computational models and large-scale social science data;
3.    Post-qualification working experience in relevant professional or academic settings;
4.    Interdisciplinary teaching and research; and
5.    Experience working with persons from diverse social, cultural and linguistic backgrounds is expected, alongside excellent communication skills in English.

The appointee will be responsible for developing and teaching a number of the MSocSc SDA courses, supervising graduate student capstone projects, providing programme administrative support (e.g. admissions and recruitment, and digital promotion in enhancing the programme’s online presence), and supporting students’ academic and professional development.

What We Offer

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 University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary.

How to Apply

The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University’s careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk), and upload (1) a cover letter; (2) an up-to-date CV; and (3) a teaching statement. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until December 31, 2023, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.