Dean of Function Hub

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST (GZ)) is the world’s first university to experiment with an innovative academic structure. With Hubs and Thrusts instead of Schools and Departments, it is geared to promoting interdisciplinary learning in a restless search for innovative solutions to humanity’s major challenges. The University boasts cutting-edge research facilities tailored to meet the needs of our investigating scientists in various disciplines. HKUST(GZ) is a spin-off from the world-class HKUST. But both benefit from the synergy of unified and complementary campuses with shared resources. The HKUST(GZ) community will consist of 1000 faculty members, 4000 undergraduates and 6000 postgraduates.

The Systems Hub, one of the four Hubs, serves as a dynamic platform for integrating diverse technologies into cohesive, systems-level solutions with real-world impact. Guided by its vision to be a global leader in nurturing creative minds and visionary talent, the Hub advances scientific knowledge, develops engineering methodologies, and solves cross-disciplinary problems across four Thrust Areas: Bioscience & Biomedical Engineering, Intelligent Transportation, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, and Smart Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

The Dean of Systems Hub holds both an executive and faculty appointment and serves as a key member of the University’s senior administrative team. The appointee is expected to provide dynamic strategic leadership to advance the Hub’s academic mission, foster a collegial and inclusive culture, and drive excellence in interdisciplinary education, research, and innovation. Responsibilities include guiding program and curriculum development, leading faculty recruitment and professional growth, promoting student success, managing resources effectively, cultivating strategic partnerships across academia, industry, and global institutions, and representing the Hub to enhance its reputation and impact.

Qualification of Candidates

• Academic Credentials: Be distinguished scholars with international recognition for their academic excellence in research, scholarship and teaching in one of the Hub’s disciplines, or a closely related one, that are appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor level.
• Leadership & Administrative Experience: A proven record of successful leadership and effective administrative management. Have an intimate understanding of the trends and challenges in management of contemporary universities in a rapidly changing and highly competitive environment; Demonstrate a proven track record of extensive high-level administrative experience and remarkable leadership accomplishments in complex higher education settings, including but not limited to effective development of strategic plans, innovative organisation planning, and management of human and financial resources, fundraising, alumni networking and stakeholders’ engagement.
• Visionary Leadership: Strong, visionary leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff, and to inspire and motivate teams toward the achievement of shared goals. Be prepared to lead the effort to build a thriving environment for the Hub’s long-term development and achievement of results in all respects, including research impact, interdisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, student recruitment, young scholar mentoring, development, alumni relations, sustainability initiatives and related professional and industry involvement.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with various stakeholders, including faculty, students from varied cultural backgrounds, and the wider community.
• Strategic Thinking: A strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate emerging trends and best practices in science, engineering and to translate these insights into actionable plans.
• Commitment to Excellence & Inclusion: Have a strong commitment in fostering academic excellence and innovation in education and research for all disciplines within the Hub; Demonstrate a global vision and outlook, and exemplary leadership foresight and creativity for inspiring a Hub of diverse interests, motivating colleagues at all levels, promoting diversity and inclusion, fostering cohesion and synergies, creating and sustaining efficient cross-cultural work relationships.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service

The position of Dean of Systems Hub is a full-time appointment, typically for an initial term of three years, renewable by mutual agreement for another three-year term. Competitive remuneration at international standards, along with generous fringe benefits including medical and housing support, will be provided.

Application Procedure

Kindly submit your application through the HKUST(GZ) Faculty Recruitment System by clicking the 'Apply' button. Please create an account, complete all required fields (marked with “*”), upload the necessary documents, and select “Full Professor” under “Application Information” with job ID 6649. For detailed instructions, refer to the Application Guidance. After submission, please email apagz@hkust-gz.edu.cn with the subject line “[Your Full Name] - Dean of Systems Hub” to notify us of your submission. Your application will be reviewed upon receipt of this email.

While we appreciate all expressions of interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For exceptional inquiries, such as those regarding an unsuccessful application, please contact the Search Committee Secretariat at apagz@hkust-gz.edu.cn. 

(All Information provided by applicants will be used exclusively for recruitment purposes related to this Deanship and will be accessible only to members of the Search Committee.)