Visiting Assistant Professor

This is a short-term teaching opportunity in moral and political philosophy at the University of Hong Kong. We are looking for a Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) teaching Chinese political thought and the philosophy of wellbeing for one semester only starting from January 2025 (which typically lasts no more than fourth months). It is a great opportunity to gain teaching experience at one of Asia’s top universities and network with top scholars in this region.

We would pay a lump sum of 140,000 HKD (which is roughly equivalent to 13,607 GBP/17,961 USD/16,147 EUR). Given that it’s below a certain threshold, you’re unlikely to pay income taxes here.

The VAP will need to teach two undergraduate courses. One course is entitled “Issues in Chinese Political Philosophy” and covers key intellectual traditions in ancient China (Daoism, Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism etc.). The other course is called “the Best Things in Life” and covers such topics as hedonism, objective list theory, autonomy, sexuality, love, and death. It is an entry-level common core course open to all undergraduates across the university.  

There will be 12 lectures for each course. Each lecture is two hours long. The common core course typically has a class size of 120 students, and the teacher will always be assigned a teaching assistant for this course helping them teach tutorials and grade student assignments. Though offered as a departmental course, the Chinese philosophy course rarely falls below 40 signups, which is the minimal threshold for having a TA. If this course happens to have a smaller class size, then the teacher needs to teach tutorials as well. The syllabi for the two courses will be provided. The VAP can adapt them to their expertise/preferences.

The Chinese philosophy course will be on Tuesday and the common core course on Wednesday. All teaching will be delivered in English.

You must have a PhD degree in relevant fields already or have passed the viva or oral examination in order to qualify (if you are told to revise the thesis during your viva, you will qualify after you receive a written confirmation from the university or examiners that your revision is accepted by the examiners). Candidates with research and teaching competence in Chinese political philosophy and the philosophy of wellbeing are strongly preferred. Early applications might also have a significant advantage.

To apply, please send 1) your CV (including a publication list) and 2) a job letter explaining why you are interested in this position. If you’re an ABD, you also need to send us a written confirmation from your university that you have fulfilled all requirements for your PhD degree.

There is no specific deadline, but for administrative purposes, time is of the essence. Thus, early applications might have a significant advantage.