Part-Time Technical Assistant [UGC/FDS16/H13/24] (A&SS) (Ref: 24002QA)

Founded in 1989, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) is a modern, vibrant and dynamic university. We tailor our professional programmes to adapt to market trends and meet industry needs, thus providing our students with quality professional education and clear career paths. Being the first University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Hong Kong, we pledge to play a pioneering role in enhancing recognition of vocational and professional education and training, and nurturing talents with both applied skills and knowledge.

As a faculty-driven, student-centred university in support of innovative teaching and learning, strategic research, and stakeholder outreach to provide maximum benefit to our communities, we conduct research that advances knowledge and enhances teaching, focusing on strategic areas, including digital humanities and literature, international business, gerontechnology, personalised care, smart city, open and innovative education, and bilingual learning and teaching.

HKMU is becoming an ever more vital link in addressing and helping Hong Kong to solve many difficult challenges – as part of our involvement in, and commitment to, the ‘metropolis’ of Hong Kong. Our plans to expand into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) will also cultivate talent to serve Hong Kong and the wider metropolitan GBA.

For more information about the University, please visit https://www.hkmu.edu.hk

We are now looking for a suitable person to fill the following position in the School of Arts and Social Sciences:

Part-Time Technical Assistant [UGC/FDS16/H13/24] (A&SS) (Ref: 24002QA)

Major Duties and Responsibilities
The appointee will support research on the evolving dynamics of China-Arab states relations. This role involves conducting literature reviews, exploratory research, and identifying key projects and actors in the context of China-Arab states relations. The assistant will work closely with the lead researcher to contribute to academic publications, policy briefs, or other outputs related to this field.

The appointee will be responsible mainly for the following:

1.       Literature Review

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of existing literature on China-Arab relations, including economic, political, and cultural dimensions.
• Critically evaluate sources to identify gaps in research and areas for further exploration.
• Organize findings into annotated bibliographies or structured summaries for use in academic writing.

2.       Exploratory Desktop Research

• Investigate emerging trends and developments in China-Arab states relations, particularly in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), energy cooperation, and digital infrastructure projects.
• Use online databases, government reports, and academic journals to gather relevant data.
• Identify patterns or hypotheses for further study.

3.       Mapping Key Projects and Actors

• Compile a database of significant projects (e.g., industrial parks, infrastructure initiatives) involving Chinese and Arab states entities.
• Identify major actors such as government bodies, corporations, and international organizations influencing China-Arab relations.
• Analyze the roles of regional organizations like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or the Arab League in facilitating these relationships.

4.       Data Organization and Analysis

• Maintain organized records of research materials using tools such as citation management software (e.g., Zotero or EndNote).
• Assist in coding qualitative data or preparing datasets for analysis when needed.

5.       Collaboration and Reporting

• Collaborate with the research team to align tasks with project goals.
• Prepare progress reports summarizing key findings and challenges.
• Participate in regular meetings to discuss insights and refine research strategies.

Candidates
Candidates should possess the following qualifications, experience and competence:

• Academic Background: Enrolled undergraduate student in International Relations, Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, Chinese Studies, or related fields.
• Research Skills: Experience in conducting literature reviews and exploratory research. Familiarity with qualitative research methods is a plus.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to critically assess sources and synthesize information from diverse perspectives.
• Technical Proficiency: Competence with research tools such as online databases (e.g., JSTOR), citation management systems, or qualitative data analysis software.
• Communication: Strong written communication skills for drafting summaries and reports.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic or Mandarin is an advantage but not mandatory.

This position offers valuable exposure to:

• The geopolitical landscape of China-Arab states relations.
• Practical research methodologies including desktop research and literature review techniques.
• Academic writing processes for policy-oriented or scholarly outputs.
• Networking opportunities within the field of international relations.

Preferred Attributes:

• Interest in topics such as great power competition, global governance, or economic diplomacy.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple tasks effectively.
• A proactive attitude toward learning new tools or methods relevant to the project.

Duration of Appointment
Successful candidate will be required to work not more than 17 hours per week for the period between January 2025 and June 2025.

Terms and Conditions for Appointment
Successful candidate will be appointed on a temporary part-time contract. Benefits will be provided in accordance with the statutory provisions.

To Apply
Candidates who are interested in joining us may submit their applications via the University’s eRecruitment System. 

https://hkmu.taleo.net/careersection/ex_non_full_time/jobapply.ftl?lang=en&job=24002QA

Candidates are invited to contact Dr Emilie Tran at etran@hkmu.edu.hk for further information.

Closing date of application: 29 December 2024

The personal data collected will be used for the purpose of considering your application for employment.  For details, please refer to the “Personal Data (Privacy) Notice for Job Applicant” on the University’s website. If you are not contacted by the University within eight weeks from the closing date of application, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.