Job Description

The Department of Social Work invites applications for the position of a Research Assistant to support the implementation and evaluation of Engaging and Empowering Hard-to-reach At-risk Youth in the Digital Era, a three-year project initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Building on the strengths of the Youth Outreaching Teams (YOTs) subvented by the Social Welfare Department, the project will pilot new outreaching and intervention approaches with six NGO operators. It targets four groups of hard-to-reach at-risk youth whose risk patterns have changed in the digital era: youth from triad-affiliated families, youth exhibiting patterns of non-suicidal self-harm behaviours, girls at risk of involvement in the sex industry, and socially withdrawn youth.

Applicants should have (i) a Bachelor's degree in Social Welfare or a related discipline and (ii) the following attributes:

Values: Dedication to supporting at-risk and marginalised youth through evidence-based research commitment to accuracy, integrity and confidentiality in handling data and research tasks, particularly in research involving vulnerable young people
Attitudes: Detail-oriented, ensuring high-quality execution of research tasks respectful and non-judgemental when engaging service users and stakeholders adaptable and open to feedback, thriving in a dynamic research environment
Skills: Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese (including Cantonese and Putonghua) experience in conducting interviews or focus groups is an advantage proficient in data collection and analysis tools (e.g. Excel, SPSS or qualitative software like NVivo) strong organisational skills for managing datasets, fieldwork schedules and project timelines high proficiency in Chinese typing strong mastery of MS Office and the ability to work independently and under pressure and
Knowledge: Basic understanding of social science research methods, especially qualitative methods familiarity with data management and ethical research protocols knowledge of youth work or outreaching social work is an advantage.

The appointee will assist the Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator and Postdoctoral Fellow with (a) developing the data management system (b) coordinating and conducting focus group interviews with service users and strategic stakeholders (c) training student helpers to facilitate focus groups (d) analysing narrative data (e) compiling interim and final project reports (f) drafting research manuscripts for presentation/publication in conferences/journals and (g) performing other tasks as assigned.

Appointment will initially be made on contract basis for two years, renewable subject to good performance, funding availability and mutual agreement. Review of applications will begin as soon as possible, and only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

The University only accepts and considers applications submitted online for the post above via the CUHK career site. For more information and to apply online, please visit .