Professor/Associate Professor in Sociology (Social Stratification and Inequality / Population Studies) in Utrecht

Professor/Associate Professor in Sociology (Social Stratification and Inequality / Population Studies) (Ref.: )

Applications are invited for appointment as Professor / Associate Professor in Sociology (Social Stratification and Inequality / Population Studies) in the Department of Sociology, to commence on September 1, 2027 , or as soon as possible thereafter, on a three-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of renewal, or on direct tenure terms for exceptionally outstanding candidates subject to the University’s approval.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Sociology, Demography/Population Studies, or a closely related discipline, and demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and academic leadership.

They should demonstrate an exceptional track record of scholarly leadership, including:

High-impact publications in leading sociology, demography, or interdisciplinary social science journals;

A proven record of securing competitive external research funding;

Excellence in teaching and curriculum development at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; and

A strong commitment to mentoring Ph.D. students and junior faculty, as well as contributing to departmental and research centre leadership.

The Department seeks candidates whose work addresses fundamental sociological questions regarding how social, economic, and demographic processes shape contemporary societies. We welcome applications from scholars working in one or more of the following areas:

Social Stratification, Mobility, and Inequality (including wealth and income inequality, labour markets, economic sociology, and the future of work);

Fertility, Family, and Gender (including low fertility, marriage and family dynamics, and gender inequality);

Population Processes and the Life Course (including population ageing, health disparities, migration, and intergenerational dynamics);

Sociology of Education and Skill Formation; or

Quantitative, Longitudinal, or Computational Sociology addressing major patterns of social and demographic change.

Applicants employing rigorous empirical approaches—particularly those leveraging longitudinal surveys, administrative data, causal inference, or mixed/comparative methods—are especially encouraged to apply. Existing expertise in Hong Kong, Mainland China, East Asia, or comparative global contexts—or a strong research agenda that bridges international scholarship with East Asian societies—would be a distinct advantage.

The University of Hong Kong

Department of Sociology

What We Offer

A competitive remuneration package 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. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload (1) a cover letter, (2) an up-to-date C.V., (3) a research statement and (4) a teaching statement, and state the contact information of three referees on the online application form. At least one of the referees should comment on your research/teaching ability and your contribution to research/teaching in your Department, while the remaining two should have knowledge of your recent academic or employment experience. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until January 31, 2027 , or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.