Research Assistant / Senior Research Assistant - Job Opportunity at Caritas Institute of Higher Education

Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: August 21, 2025
On-site
HKD 300,000 - 450,000 annually for Research Assistant position, HKD 450,000 - 650,000 annually for Senior Research Assistant position, based on Hong Kong higher education sector standards, relevant experience requirements, and the specialized nature of special educational needs research

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive literature reviews to establish foundational knowledge for innovative psychosocial research initiatives impacting students with special educational needs
Design and execute in-depth interview protocols that generate critical insights for evidence-based service delivery improvements
Conduct sophisticated quantitative data analysis that directly informs policy decisions and service enhancement strategies
Produce high-impact research reports that influence institutional practices and contribute to academic knowledge in special education
Coordinate complex administrative processes ensuring seamless project execution and stakeholder engagement
Support cross-functional research teams in delivering measurable outcomes for vulnerable student populations

Requirements

Education

For Research Assistant: recognised Bachelor's degree or above in Education / Applied Research / Applied Psychology / Statistics / Social Work. For Senior Research Assistant: recognised Master's degree or above in Education / Applied Research / Applied Psychology / Statistics / Social Work

Experience

For Research Assistant: relevant research experience. For Senior Research Assistant: more than three years research experience

Required Skills

knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research able to work independently have an investigative nature attention to detail analytical aptitude familiar with procedures of conducting in-depth interviews familiar with analyzing quantitative data good communication skills fluency in English and Chinese
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Higher education institutions across Asia-Pacific are increasingly investing in specialized research focused on inclusive education and special needs support, driven by growing awareness of neurodiversity and legislative requirements for accessibility. This trend is particularly pronounced in Hong Kong where government initiatives are pushing universities to develop comprehensive support systems for students with diverse learning needs. Educational research roles are evolving to require stronger mixed-methods expertise as institutions demand evidence-based interventions that can be measured and scaled. The integration of psychosocial research with service delivery evaluation represents a sophisticated approach that positions researchers as strategic partners in institutional development. The focus on 5-year longitudinal studies in educational settings reflects the sector's maturation toward more rigorous, impactful research methodologies that can influence policy and practice across multiple institutions and educational systems throughout the region.

Role Significance

Typically part of a 4-8 member interdisciplinary research team including Principal Investigator, Co-investigators, and potentially other research staff, with opportunities for collaborative work across academic departments and external partnerships
Mid-level research position with significant autonomy and specialized expertise requirements, positioned as a key contributor to institutional research strategy rather than a support role, with direct impact on service delivery and policy development

Key Projects

Multi-year longitudinal studies examining student outcomes and intervention effectiveness Mixed-methods research projects combining qualitative interviews with quantitative service evaluation Policy development research supporting institutional accessibility initiatives Cross-institutional comparative studies on special educational needs support systems

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to balance independent research execution with collaborative team dynamics, particularly important given the interdisciplinary nature of special educational needs research Strong methodological versatility combining qualitative interview skills with quantitative analysis capabilities, essential for comprehensive program evaluation and evidence generation Cultural competency and bilingual communication skills enabling effective engagement with diverse student populations and stakeholders across Hong Kong's multicultural educational landscape Project management capabilities to handle long-term research commitments while maintaining data quality and meeting reporting deadlines across multiple research phases

Market Demand

Growing demand driven by increased institutional focus on inclusive education, government mandates for accessibility, and the need for evidence-based special education interventions in higher education settings

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Bilingual fluency in English and Chinese is essential for effective communication with Hong Kong's diverse student population and for accessing both international research literature and local policy documents, making this skill a significant career differentiator in the regional market Mixed-methods research expertise combining qualitative interview capabilities with quantitative analysis skills is increasingly valuable as educational institutions demand comprehensive evaluation approaches that can inform both policy and practice Independent work capability with strong attention to detail becomes crucial in longitudinal research settings where data integrity and consistent methodology application directly impact research validity and institutional decision-making

Beneficial Skills

Knowledge of statistical software packages like SPSS, R, or specialized qualitative analysis tools would enhance analytical capabilities and research efficiency Understanding of Hong Kong's educational policy landscape and special education legislation would provide valuable context for research interpretation and recommendation development Experience with grant writing and research proposal development would support career advancement and enable greater research leadership opportunities

Unique Aspects

Multi-level position offering both entry and senior pathways, providing clear advancement structure within the same research project and institutional framework
Focus on innovative service-research integration that combines academic inquiry with direct service delivery evaluation, offering unique professional development opportunities in applied research
Specialized concentration on higher education special needs support, a rapidly growing field with significant policy implications and career development potential
5-year project timeline providing unusual job security and continuity for research positions, allowing for deep expertise development and meaningful longitudinal impact

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to advance to senior research roles or transition to academic positions, with progression dependent on research output, publication record, and development of specialized expertise in special educational needs

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Associate or Research Fellow positions leading independent research streams Program Evaluation Manager roles in educational institutions or government agencies Academic positions as Lecturer or Assistant Professor specializing in special education research Research Director positions in non-profit organizations focused on disability services and advocacy

Company Overview

Caritas Institute of Higher Education

Caritas Institute of Higher Education operates as a distinctive private higher education institution in Hong Kong with strong emphasis on social service, community engagement, and values-based education. The institution has built reputation for practical, socially-relevant research that addresses real community needs while maintaining academic rigor.

Positioned as a specialized institution with growing research profile, particularly strong in social work, education, and community service-oriented disciplines, competing effectively in niche areas rather than attempting to rival larger comprehensive universities
Serves as an important alternative to traditional university education in Hong Kong, with increasing recognition for applied research and community-focused academic programs that address local social challenges and policy needs
Collaborative, mission-driven environment emphasizing social impact and community service, with strong support for professional development and research that creates tangible benefits for vulnerable populations and underserved communities
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