Research Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Arts
Conduct scientific analysis of Chinese paintings in a collaborative three-year fellowship at the University of Hong Kong.
Best for:Best for recent PhD graduates in materials science, chemistry, physics, or heritage science with a strong interest in art conservation and Chinese painting history.
Overview
The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Arts invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor position under the Museum Studies Programme, focusing on the project "Scientific Analysis of Chinese Painting." Running for three years starting January 2027, the appointee will work closely with the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Laboratory for Conservation and Science. The role involves using advanced imaging and scientific instrumentation to characterize Chinese paintings, teaching up to two courses per year, and fostering collaborative heritage science research. The successful candidate will combine rigorous technical expertise with a strong interest in art conservation and history.
What you'll do
- Perform scientific research to characterize materials, structures, and components of Chinese paintings using advanced imaging technologies and scientific instrumentation.
- Synthesize scientific findings to address art historical questions and preservation challenges, publishing results in scholarly venues.
- Maintain collaborative working relationships with curators and conservators at the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
- Teach between one and two courses per year and offer a workshop focused on the analysis of Chinese paintings.
- Lead student trips to world-leading museums and conservation laboratories for overseas learning and training purposes.
- Engage students and stakeholders in the field of cultural heritage science and conservation approaches.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Chemistry, Material Science and Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines, or in Conservation/Heritage/Archaeological Science
Language: English proficiency for teaching, research, and publication
Instruction: English
Publications: Peer-reviewed publications in cultural heritage science and technical art history in excellent scholarly venues
- Familiarity with scientific instrumentation such as infrared and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence
- Demonstrated data science skills applicable to analytical research
- Strong interest in art conservation and Chinese painting art history
- Track record or potential for publishing in cultural heritage science and technical art history
- Must hold a PhD degree obtained within the last three years prior to the start of the fellowship
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 · open until filled
Applicants must submit their applications online through the University’s careers website. The application package must include an up-to-date CV, a cover letter, up to three recent peer-reviewed publications in PDF format, and two academic or professional letters of recommendation.
- CV
- Cover letter
- 3 recent peer-reviewed publications
- 2 letters of recommendation
Contact
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