Research Assistant
(Part-time)
School: School of Architecture, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Sha Tin, Hong Kong)
Duty:
The appointee will assist the research team in the project - “Impact of In-between Space Regeneration on Older Adults’ Activities in High-Density Neighbourhoods: Evidence from Shui Pin Wai Estate in Hong Kong”
Project Description:
Population ageing has emerged as a profound challenge of the 21st century. With a rapidly growing proportion of older adults, particularly pronounced in high-density urban areas like Hong Kong, there is a pressing need to understand the socio-spatial dynamics of ageing populations. In neighbourhoods, in-between spaces play a crucial role as sites of social and economic exchange. However, the transformation of these spaces through urban regeneration and its impact on older adults' activities remains under-explored.
The study explores the mechanisms through which the regeneration of in-between spaces influences the behavioural activities of older adults in high-density neighbourhoods, using Shui Pin Wai Estate in Hong Kong as a case study. The objectives are: (1) To analyse design variations in in-between spaces pre- and post-regeneration. (2) To identify activity shifts among older adults within in-between spaces during regeneration. (3) To investigate the relationships between older adults' activities, in-between space designs, and socio-economic factors throughout the regeneration process. The anticipated findings will offer empirical evidence for the development of design strategies and policy recommendations. These will enhance the functionality of in-between spaces, encourage active ageing, and facilitate the social health of older adults in the context of high-density urban regeneration.
We look forward to receiving your application and working with talented individuals who are passionate about urban studies research.
Qualifications
+ University degree holder in geography, urban studies, gerontology, public health, psychology, urban planning, architecture, computer science or related disciplines;
+ Experienced in different research methodologies (including but not limited to, case studies, questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, field observations, workshops, community/stakeholder engagement) and quantitative and qualitative data analysis;
+ Experience in Community engagement and workshop organisation is an advantage;
+ Excellent command of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in Adobe Suite is preferred;
+ Experienced in quantitative and qualitative analytical tools (e.g., R, SPSS, NVivo) and/ or other spatial analytical tools (e.g., GIS, ArcGIS) is an advantage; and
+ Be able to work flexible hours for community/ stakeholder engagement activities when required.
Requirements
+ Mature and competent to work independently.
+ Have abilities in planning/organisational , problem-solving skills, multitasking and attention to detail;
+ Excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English and Cantonese; fluency in Mandarin would be an advantage;
+ A motivated team player with the ability to take self-initiatives in a collaborative working environment;
Preference
Preference will be given to candidates with hands-on experience in research related to housing, ageing, community planning and design, community health and well-being. Only applicants who intend to work full-time in Hong Kong will be considered. The starting period will be September/October 2024.
Remuneration
A competitive remuneration package will be offered based on the candidate's experience.
Contact
Interested applicants are invited to contact Prof. MO Kar Him at email (khmo@cuhk.edu.hk) with the following materials for consideration (applications with missing information will not be considered):
+ Cover letter;
+ Resume with your earliest availability;
+ Two samples of your writing (one in English and one in Chinese) – the work itself should be solely written by you or you as the lead author;
+ Portfolio (if any);
+ Transcript(s) (all degrees obtained); and
+ One referee' name (if applicable) (we will contact the referees if you are shortlisted after our interview)
Supervisors Introduction:
Prof. MO Kar Him is an Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Studies Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His research focuses on healthy ageing, intergenerational living, participatory design, and community planning, advocating for an equitable and inclusive built environment for all, especially our ageing population.
His works are primarily community-based and collaborative in nature. Supported by ZeShan Foundation, Ho Cheung Shuk Yuen Charitable Foundation, and previously CUHK Sustainable Knowledge Transfer Project Fund, he has co-founded and been leading Happy Ageing Lab Foundation to promote housing innovation for the ageing population with public housing suppliers, quasi-public/private developers, property management companies, service providers, and design industry. The Lab is a not-for-profit consultancy practice, with an interdisciplinary team, steered by a passionate board and advisors who are local and international experts in the field of gerontology, primary care, occupational therapy, social work, architecture, and urban planning.
Dr. Weixuan Chen (Victor) is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. With a PhD in Built Environment from the University of Nottingham, his research keenly focuses on urban regeneration and governance within the Chinese context. His contributions to the academic community are highlighted by his work published in respected journals such as Political Geography and Habitat International.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.