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Research Assistant I/II - Job Opportunity at Hong Kong University

Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 9, 2025
On-site
HKD 300,000-420,000 annually (USD 38,000-54,000). Entry-level research positions at prestigious Hong Kong universities typically offer competitive packages within this range, with Research Assistant II positions commanding the higher end. The 'highly competitive' salary mention suggests positioning at or above market median for similar roles.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary package that positions candidates advantageously in the academic research market
Comprehensive annual leave allocation providing superior work-life balance compared to private sector research positions
Medical benefits coverage ensuring health security and reducing personal healthcare costs
Professional development opportunities through mentorship in experimental design and data interpretation
International conference presentation opportunities enhancing professional visibility and networking
Co-authorship prospects on high-impact publications building academic credentials

Key Responsibilities

Execute cutting-edge laboratory work contributing to breakthrough multi-omics research projects that advance pediatric medicine understanding
Drive next-generation sequencing initiatives that generate critical genomic insights for translational medical applications
Lead bioinformatics analysis processes that transform raw genomic data into actionable clinical knowledge
Develop and implement integrative omics approaches that bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications
Collaborate on high-impact studies that influence pediatric healthcare practices and contribute to scientific literature
Present research findings at international conferences, representing institutional research excellence on global platforms

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in biological or medical sciences, or a related discipline

Experience

Prior experience with molecular techniques, cell culture, or data analysis will be an advantage

Required Skills

Interest in human genomics Clinically oriented translational research Molecular techniques Cell culture Data analysis Self-motivated Detail-oriented Eager to learn Responsible Able to work both independently and in a team Fluent in written and spoken English Strong communication skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The genomics research field is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by decreasing sequencing costs and increasing clinical applications, with the global genomics market projected to reach $62.9 billion by 2026. Multi-omics approaches are becoming the gold standard in personalized medicine research, particularly in pediatric applications where early intervention can have lifelong impacts. Translational research positions are increasingly valuable as healthcare systems worldwide prioritize evidence-based medicine and precision healthcare solutions. The integration of bioinformatics with clinical research is creating new career pathways that bridge computational biology with medical applications. Hong Kong's position as a regional biomedical hub is strengthening, with significant government investment in life sciences research and growing partnerships between academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies, creating enhanced opportunities for research professionals.

Role Significance

Typical pediatric genomics research teams range from 5-12 members including principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, and graduate students. This position likely involves collaboration with clinical partners, bioinformatics specialists, and international research consortiums.
This is a foundational research position designed for early-career professionals, offering structured mentorship and skill development. The I/II designation indicates flexible placement based on candidate qualifications, with clear advancement potential within the research track. The role provides direct access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and established scientific networks.

Key Projects

Multi-omics studies investigating pediatric genetic disorders and developmental conditions Translational research projects connecting genomic discoveries to clinical applications in child health Next-generation sequencing initiatives for rare disease diagnosis and treatment development Collaborative studies with international pediatric research networks and clinical centers

Success Factors

Rapid acquisition of advanced technical skills in genomics and bioinformatics, essential for contributing meaningfully to high-impact research projects and building a competitive research profile Development of strong collaborative relationships with clinical partners and international research networks, crucial for accessing diverse patient populations and research resources Effective scientific communication skills for presenting complex genomic findings to diverse audiences including clinicians, researchers, and potentially patient families Strategic career planning that leverages publication opportunities and conference presentations to build recognition in the pediatric genomics research community

Market Demand

High demand driven by expanding genomics research funding, growing emphasis on personalized medicine, and Hong Kong's strategic focus on becoming a regional biomedical research center. The one-year renewable contract with September start aligns with academic funding cycles, indicating strong project pipeline.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Molecular laboratory techniques form the foundation of genomics research and are essential for generating high-quality data that drives meaningful scientific discoveries. Proficiency in these techniques directly impacts research productivity and publication potential. Data analysis capabilities, particularly in bioinformatics and statistical analysis, are increasingly crucial as genomics research generates massive datasets requiring sophisticated computational approaches. These skills are highly transferable and valued across academic and industry settings. Communication skills are vital for presenting complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, collaborating effectively with international research teams, and potentially communicating findings to clinical partners and patient families.

Beneficial Skills

Programming skills in R, Python, or specialized bioinformatics tools would significantly enhance career prospects in the increasingly computational field of genomics research Clinical research experience or understanding of medical terminology would provide valuable context for translating laboratory findings into clinically relevant insights Project management capabilities would be advantageous for coordinating multi-site studies and managing complex research timelines typical in genomics research

Unique Aspects

Direct mentorship from established pediatric genomics researchers with international reputations and extensive publication records
Access to cutting-edge genomic sequencing infrastructure and bioinformatics computing resources typically available only at top-tier research institutions
Opportunity to work with diverse patient populations and rare genetic conditions through Hong Kong's unique position as a regional medical center
Potential for rapid skill development in emerging technologies like single-cell genomics and artificial intelligence applications in medical research

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior research roles occurs within 2-3 years with strong performance and continued skill development. PhD pathway typically requires 3-4 years additional study. Industry transition possible within 1-2 years with demonstrated technical competency.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Assistant or Research Associate positions with increased project leadership responsibilities PhD candidacy in genomics, pediatric medicine, or related fields with potential for continued research at HKU Bioinformatics specialist roles in pharmaceutical companies or clinical diagnostic laboratories Clinical research coordinator positions bridging laboratory research with patient care applications

Company Overview

Hong Kong University

The University of Hong Kong stands as Asia's leading comprehensive research university and Hong Kong's oldest tertiary institution, consistently ranking among the world's top 30 universities. The Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine is internationally recognized for clinical excellence and innovative research, with particular strengths in genetic disorders, developmental medicine, and translational research applications.

HKU maintains premier status in the Asia-Pacific region with strong global partnerships and research collaborations. The university's medical school ranks consistently in global top 40, with particular strength in clinical medicine and biomedical research. The institution's research output and international citations place it among leading global research universities.
Hong Kong serves as a strategic gateway between Western medical research and Asian patient populations, offering unique opportunities for diverse genomic studies. The city's role as an international financial and business center attracts global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, creating rich collaboration opportunities for academic researchers.
Academic research environments at HKU emphasize intellectual rigor, international collaboration, and knowledge exchange. The culture promotes continuous learning, scientific integrity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Work-life balance is generally respected within academic settings, with flexibility for conference travel and professional development activities.
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