Head of the Department of Chemistry

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Job Title:    Head of the Department of Chemistry
Department:    Department of Chemistry
Job ID:    9299

Job Posting Details

The School of Science of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) invites applications for the position of Head of Department of Chemistry.

The University

HKUST is a highly regarded international research university dedicated to the advancement of learning, research, scholarship, and the education of a new generation of elite students through top-tier programs in science, engineering, business & management, humanities & social science, and interdisciplinary studies.  With a strong emphasis on education, research, and knowledge transfer, we are a leading global university with significant impact and a strong commitment to the region.  HKUST promotes diversity with an inclusive and collaborative community and the use of modern instructional methods, and we are dedicated to educating well-rounded students with strong entrepreneurial spirits and thinking which is innovative and globally oriented.  While the University is deeply rooted in Hong Kong, HKUST (GZ) in Guangzhou, Mainland China complements the well-established disciplinary foundation at the Hong Kong campus with 4 transdisciplinary hubs and 16 thrust areas to achieve maximum synergy in education and research.  English is the medium of teaching, research, and administration at HKUST.  As a young institution founded in 1991, HKUST has already established a strong presence in the global higher education scene and has been ranked among the top universities in both the QS World University and Times Higher Education Rankings.  

The School and the Department

The School of Science is the home to five world-class departments, including Chemistry, Life Science, Mathematics, Ocean Science and Physics, with current enrollment over 2,000 undergraduate students and around 1,000 postgraduate students.  The Department of Chemistry is comprised of around 25 faculty members and is on track for further expansion.  Research interests and expertise of faculty members cover widely across areas of Analytical/Environmental Chemistry, Synthetic Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Physical and Computational Chemistry, Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry.  The Department’s undergraduate program aims to provide students with a solid foundation for analytical thinking and problem solving to prepare students for further studies and career development in fields related to chemical science and technology.  Postgraduate programs place additional emphasis on training in original research with focus on fundamental, interdisciplinary, and applied research topics.

The Role

Reporting to the Dean of Science, the Head of the Department is expected to provide leadership for the Department, overseeing faculty recruitment activities, guiding and monitoring resource allocation, and be responsible for the Department’s academic advancement in both teaching and research.  Appointee is also expected to devise strategies to promote and facilitate collaborative, interdisciplinary research with other Departments within the School of Science as well as in the Schools of Engineering, Business and Humanities and Social Science.

The Candidate

Applicants should have an outstanding record of research accomplishments, consistent with an appointment as Full Professor with tenure.  In addition to leading a vigorous research program, the successful candidate should have proven leadership abilities, experience leading collaborative research programs and demonstrated managerial skills.  Qualified individuals should also have a broad appreciation of the research and educational opportunities in chemistry and possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

Terms & Applications

The appointment will be concurrent with a substantive professorial appointment.  The headship will be a full-time appointment for an initial term of three years, and renewable for another term, subject to further review.  Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing when appropriate, will be provided.  

Application, including a curriculum vitae, a vision statement and at least three referees should be sent to: Office of the Dean of Science (Re: Head of the Department of Chemistry), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong (or by email: dsci@ust.hk).  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  

For further information about HKUST, the School of Science and the Department of Chemistry, please visit the following websites:
HKUST - https://hkust.edu.hk
School of Science – https://science.hkust.edu.hk
Department of Chemistry – https://chem.hkust.edu.hk  

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.  Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement before submission of application.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.