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Research Assistant I/II (several posts) - Job Opportunity at Hong Kong University

Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 27, 2025
On-site
HKD 300,000 - 450,000 annually (USD 38,000 - 58,000). Entry-level research positions at Hong Kong University typically offer competitive packages within this range, with the upper end for candidates with master's degrees and relevant experience. The position's focus on high-priority research areas and direct reporting to the Director suggests positioning toward the higher end of this range.

Benefits

One-year contract duration with renewal possibility based on performance, providing job security and career development opportunities in a prestigious academic environment
Opportunity to work directly under the supervision of the Director of Asia Global Institute, offering high-level mentorship and networking opportunities
Access to cutting-edge research resources and academic databases at one of Asia's leading universities
Professional development through involvement in multiple concurrent research projects spanning various economic disciplines
International exposure through research on global economic issues and supply chain dynamics

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic policy research initiatives examining the evolving geoeconomic landscape, contributing to high-impact academic and policy discussions that shape regional economic understanding
Lead comprehensive analysis of global supply chain restructuring patterns, providing critical insights that influence both academic research and real-world business strategy
Spearhead research on digital economy and trade dynamics, positioning the institute at the forefront of emerging economic paradigms
Execute industrial policy research that directly informs government decision-making and corporate strategic planning across Asia
Coordinate and manage 2-3 concurrent research projects simultaneously, demonstrating advanced project management capabilities and strategic thinking
Produce high-quality research outputs including reports, presentations, and publications that enhance the institute's reputation and policy influence

Requirements

Education

undergraduate or master (preferred) degree in Economics, Public Policy, or related fields

Experience

Entry to mid-level with ability to conduct research independently

Required Skills

excellent ability to communicate effectively both in writing and in oral presentations in English and Chinese strong analytical and problem-solving skills ability to conduct research independently ability to work in a team on 2-3 projects concurrently
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Industry Trends

The increasing focus on geoeconomic research reflects the growing importance of economic statecraft and trade policy in international relations, particularly as countries navigate supply chain diversification and economic security concerns. Research institutions are prioritizing expertise in understanding how economic policies intersect with geopolitical strategies, making this role highly relevant to current global developments. Digital economy and trade research has become critical as governments and businesses adapt to post-pandemic digital transformation accelerated by AI, blockchain, and e-commerce platforms. Research assistants in this field are increasingly valuable as organizations need to understand regulatory frameworks, cross-border data flows, and digital trade agreements. Supply chain restructuring research has gained unprecedented importance following recent global disruptions, with organizations seeking to understand reshoring, near-shoring, and diversification strategies. Academic institutions are investing heavily in research that examines supply chain resilience and the economic implications of supply chain reconfiguration.

Role Significance

Typically working within a research team of 8-12 members including senior researchers, fellow research assistants, and administrative support, with direct collaboration across multiple project teams given the concurrent project requirement.
This is a junior to mid-level research position with significant growth potential, offering direct access to senior leadership and involvement in high-profile research initiatives. The role provides substantial autonomy in research execution while benefiting from institutional support and guidance.

Key Projects

Comprehensive analysis of Asia-Pacific supply chain reconfiguration patterns and their economic implications for regional trade relationships Digital trade policy research examining regulatory frameworks and their impact on cross-border e-commerce and digital services Industrial policy comparative studies analyzing government intervention strategies across different Asian economies and their effectiveness

Success Factors

Developing exceptional bilingual communication skills in English and Chinese to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders across academic, government, and business sectors, as this linguistic capability is essential for accessing primary sources and conducting interviews in the Asian economic context. Building strong analytical capabilities in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, particularly in economic modeling, policy analysis, and data interpretation, as these skills are fundamental to producing rigorous research outputs that meet academic standards. Cultivating project management expertise to effectively handle multiple concurrent research initiatives while maintaining quality standards and meeting deadlines, as this role requires balancing diverse research priorities and deliverables. Establishing professional networks within the academic, policy, and business communities focused on Asian economic issues, as these relationships are crucial for accessing data, securing interviews, and disseminating research findings effectively.

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased institutional focus on economic policy research, particularly in areas of geoeconomics and digital trade. The posting for 'several posts' indicates strong institutional investment in expanding research capacity in these critical areas.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Bilingual communication proficiency in English and Chinese is absolutely essential as it enables access to primary sources, government documents, and stakeholder interviews across different cultural contexts that are fundamental to comprehensive economic research in the Asian region. This skill directly impacts research quality and depth of analysis possible. Independent research capability represents the core competency for this role, as research assistants must be able to design methodologies, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions with minimal supervision while maintaining academic rigor and objectivity in their work. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are fundamental to processing complex economic data, identifying patterns and trends, and developing insights that contribute meaningfully to policy discussions and academic knowledge in rapidly evolving economic landscapes.

Beneficial Skills

Quantitative analysis skills including statistical software proficiency (R, STATA, Python) would significantly enhance research capabilities and enable more sophisticated economic modeling and data analysis Understanding of international trade law and regulatory frameworks would provide valuable context for research on digital trade and supply chain issues Project management certification or experience would be valuable given the requirement to handle multiple concurrent research projects effectively Network of contacts within government agencies, international organizations, or business communities focused on Asian economic issues would facilitate data access and research dissemination

Unique Aspects

Direct reporting relationship to the Director of Asia Global Institute provides exceptional access to senior leadership and strategic decision-making processes, offering insights into high-level research planning and institutional priorities
Opportunity to work on multiple concurrent projects spanning different aspects of economic policy research, providing diverse experience and broader skill development compared to single-project focused positions
Focus on contemporary and highly relevant research areas including geoeconomics and digital trade, positioning the role at the intersection of current policy debates and emerging economic trends
Bilingual requirement (English and Chinese) reflects the international scope of the research and provides opportunities for unique data access and stakeholder engagement across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts

Career Growth

Typically 2-3 years to advance to senior research roles or transition to policy analyst positions, with PhD pursuit possible after 1-2 years of experience. Career progression often accelerated by publication record and network development within the Asian economic research community.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Associate positions within academic institutions focusing on economic policy and international trade research Policy Analyst roles in government agencies, international organizations, or think tanks specializing in Asian economic affairs Economic Research positions in multinational corporations, consulting firms, or financial institutions with Asian market focus PhD program opportunities leading to academic careers in economics, public policy, or international relations

Company Overview

Hong Kong University

Hong Kong University stands as one of Asia's premier research institutions with a strong international reputation and significant influence in regional policy discussions. The Asia Global Institute specifically focuses on cutting-edge research addressing contemporary challenges facing Asia and the global community, with particular emphasis on economic, political, and social issues.

Recognized as a leading academic institution in Asia with strong international partnerships and research collaborations. The university maintains excellent relationships with government agencies, international organizations, and private sector entities, providing research staff with access to high-level decision-makers and exclusive data sources.
Strategically positioned in Hong Kong as a gateway between East and West, the university leverages its location to conduct research that bridges Asian and Western perspectives on global economic issues. The institution plays a significant role in informing policy discussions across the Asia-Pacific region.
Academic environment emphasizing intellectual rigor, collaborative research, and international engagement. The culture promotes independent thinking while providing strong institutional support for research activities, with emphasis on producing policy-relevant research that contributes to public discourse.
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