About the Position

We are pleased to invite applications for a 4-year PhD position at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR). The position is jointly funded by the Faculty of Social Sciences/HKU Research Hub of Population Studies, and the Department of Digital and Computational Demography at MPIDR.

The University of Hong Kong is widely considered one of the top universities in Asia and in the world. The HKU Research Hub of Population Studies, launched by the Faculty of Social Sciences, aims to provide an understanding of local, national, regional, and international demographic patterns. The Hub focuses on multi-disciplinary research concerning various population-related issues and public policy, addressing the global needs for theoretical, methodological, and practical advancements in population and health research, building upon the expertise of academics across the Faculty of Social Science.

The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is one of the world’s leading demographic research centres. Institute scientists advance fundamental research in areas related to migration, longevity, and fertility, and study issues of policy relevance, such as demographic change, aging, health, intergenerational transfers, as well as the digitalization of life. Methodologically, they use novel data sources and advanced statistical and computational methods for understanding demographic dynamics. The MPIDR is part of the Max Planck Society, a network of more than 80 institutes that form Germany’s premier basic-research organization. Max Planck Institutes have an established record of world-class, foundational research in the sciences, technology, social sciences and the humanities. They offer a unique environment that combines the best aspects of an academic setting and a research laboratory.

This PhD position is an excellent opportunity for highly-motivated and qualified candidates who are interested in the opportunities offered by the best of both worlds: a world-class university in Asia, and top-notch research institute in Europe. Upon successfully completing the PhD position, the applicant will be awarded a degree from HKU, having gained significant experience in conducting demographic research abroad.

The successful applicants to this programme will:

- be registered as full-time PhD students at HKU but are expected to enrol in the International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health, and Data Science from the beginning of their doctoral training at HKU;
- be required to meet the admission requirements of both institutions;
- be co-supervised by supervisors at both institutions;
- spend the first 18 months in Hong Kong at HKU. They will work in a vibrant community of PhD students and researchers in the HKU Research Hub of Population Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The following 2 years of the studentship will be spent in Germany, at the MPIDR, in the Department of Digital and Computational Demography. Within the Department, the student will be affiliated with the Lab of Migration and Mobility or the Lab of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-being, depending on interest and fit. This would provide further opportunities for training and networking. Students are expected to spend the last 6 months of their studies at HKU;
- submit a single thesis to HKU, which will be examined following existing rules and guidelines at HKU.

The studentship is not limited to specific topics. We encourage applications from candidates interested in exploring population-related topics that match with the research strengths of faculty associated with the HKU Research Hub of Population Studies and researchers based at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research.

Eligibility

Please visit the HKU website for the admission requirements for the PhD Programme as well as the programme website for specific details on the Joint Educational Placement for PhD with the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research.

Applicants must 1) submit a full application for PhD admission to HKU through the HKU’s Online Application System by November 17th 2025 at 23:59 (GMT +8 hours) and obtain a HKU application reference number; 2) submit an online application for the University of Hong Kong—Max Planck PhD Studentship in Population Studies through the programme website by November 17, 2025 and quote the HKU application number. Successful candidate(s) for this Studentship Scheme must be accepted for a PhD position at HKU.

Please refer to the HKU Website for all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered. Further copies of supporting documents must be submitted through the online application for the Studentship Programme, including:

- A copy of your Bachelor's academic transcript and certificate.
- A copy of your Master's academic transcript and certificate. If your Master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
- If you have completed more than one Bachelor's or Master's degree, please provide evidence for each.
- An academic CV, summarising your employment history, publications and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
- Supporting statement of a maximum of one page indicating why you would like to undertake this studentship and explaining how your focus, experience, and skills are a good fit for the program.
- A PhD proposal outlining the potential focus of the project to be undertaken during the PhD training related to the description of the post. Maximum 2 pages.

You must nominate two academic referees. Your referees may be contacted following the submission of your application form. You may wish to contact your referees to let them know that they may be requested to submit a reference letter as part of the review process.
For informal enquiries, please contact Guy Abel, Associate Director of the HKU Hub of Population Studies (guyabel@hku.hk) or Emilio Zagheni, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (zagheni@demogr.mpg.de).

Funding Notes

During their period at HKU, students will receive postgraduate scholarships and other financial support, such as travel and conference support.

During the period in Germany, the student will receive a gross salary of EUR 37,909 per annum and financial support for travel, training and data acquisition. The International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health, and Data Science (IMPRS-PHDS) would provide support for travel to/from Rostock to attend recommended training activities of the school, like the Annual Academy that brings together all students in the network.

Students in this Studentship Programme will pay an annual composition fee of HK$44,500 and relevant fees to HKU throughout their PhD studies. They will be exempted from paying composition fees to MPIDR.