Assistant Professor in Language Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (Ref. 260818012)

THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Rooted in 90 years of heritage and intellectual achievement, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible professionals and leaders, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation. PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the University’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by well-known ranking organisations such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in seven faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved commendable results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for five subjects, is first in Hong Kong for four subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 24 subjects. For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Assistant Professor in Language Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (Ref. 260818012)

The Department of Language Science and Technology (LST) is an academic unit within the Faculty of Humanities dedicated to the scientific study of language in all its facets. With a team over 70 committed academic and teaching/clinical staff members, our work spans from investigating the biological and cognitive foundations of language to its societal function in multilingual environments and its transformation through technology. The Department pursues interdisciplinary research that integrates core language science domains such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, with applications in communication, education and healthcare. Alongside research activities, the Department actively translates scholarly insights into practice through clinical services, educational outreach and technology development that serve both local and international communities. The Department houses several specialised units, including the Speech Therapy Unit, the Research Centre for Language, Cognition and Neuroscience, and the Centre for Translation Studies, which serve as vital hubs for both research and practical application. More information about the Department can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/lst/.

The Department invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We seek a scholar with strong expertise in integrating neuroscience and neurotechnology with language and speech data using computational approaches, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning, and a demonstrated commitment to translating research into clinical practice.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• design and develop computational AI, machine learning or deep learning architectures to model language and speech processes at the neural level;

• use neurotechnological tools [e.g., EEG, MEG, fMRI, fNIRS, TMS, tDCS or brain-computer interfaces (BCI)] to investigate language and speech in typical and clinical populations;

• have a strong track record of research in language neuroscience, speech-language pathology or related fields, with clear clinical applications (e.g., aphasia, dyslexia, developmental language disorders or other communication and neurological conditions); and

• demonstrate excellence in translating research into clinical tools, neuro-rehabilitation protocols, assistive technologies or digital therapeutics.
  

Duties

The appointee will be required to:

(a) contribute to the teaching/learning activities for the Department at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and supervise student projects and theses;

(b) lead and/or participate in the planning, management and curriculum development;

(c) develop e-learning modules and design innovative pedagogy;

(d) secure external competitive research grants, conduct academic research, publish in top-tier refereed journals, and provide academic leadership in teaching, research and other scholarly activities;

(e) foster research collaborations both locally and internationally;

(f) engage the industries in high-level, impact-rich consultancies;

(g) carry out academic and administrative duties; and

(h) perform any other duties as assigned by the Head of Department or his/her delegates.

Qualifications

Applicants should:

(a) hold a PhD degree in a relevant field, such as Neuroscience, Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Speech-Language Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related field;

(b) demonstrate expertise in neuroscience and neurotechnology, as evidenced by publications and research experience using one or more of the following:

• Neuroimaging (e.g., f/MRI, EEG/MEG, fNIRS or ECoG);

• Neuromodulation (e.g., TMS, tDCS/tACs or DBS);

• Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) or assistive neurotechnologies;

• Computational modelling of neural signals;

(c) have a strong track record in designing and developing AI, machine learning, or deep learning models for language or speech data;

(d) have evidence of clinical translation or strong potential to translate research into clinical practice (e.g., aphasia, dyslexia, developmental language disorders or other communication and neurological conditions);

(e) have experience in teaching and curriculum development, with a willingness to contribute to programme planning and management;

(f) have a strong track record of publishing in high-quality international journals as a first or corresponding author, and demonstrated potential to secure competitive external research funding;

(g) be open to the use of e-learning and blended learning strategies in teaching and scholarship; and

(h) have good networking ability and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.

Conditions of Service

A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.  Initial appointment will be on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract.  Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement.  For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf.

Application

Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/academic). Consideration of applications will commence on 17 September 2026 until the position is filled. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment/.

PolyU is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and demonstrates inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences where all members of the University are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.  To learn more about the University’s “Statement on Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion”, please visit our website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/equal_opportunities_diversity_and_inclusion/.