Job Description

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) invites applications and nominations for a senior leadership position. This is a single, integrated role that carries the concurrent appointment of Director of the HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute (SRI) and Director of the HKUST Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute (SHCIRI), as well as leadership of other HKUST knowledge transfer platforms in Shenzhen. The successful candidate will provide unified strategic leadership across multiple entities, ensuring synergistic operations while fulfilling individual entity’s distinct mandate.

HKUST’s R&D establishments in Shenzhen

As HKUST’s key Mainland platforms for expanding research activities and collaborations, the two Institutes serve as a vital force to advance innovation and knowledge transfer throughout the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute (SRI): SRI plays a vital role in the University’s innovation and technology advancement efforts in Shenzhen. Based on outstanding talents, robust research infrastructure, and dynamic entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly through its close relationships with industries, the Institute operates a prominent Industry-Education-Research (IER) base. It functions as a critical local liaison platform, incubating start-ups, driving regional economic growth and technological advancement, and fostering bi-directional knowledge exchange between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

HKUST Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute (SHCIRI): SHCIRI is situated within the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone. It serves as a unique and strategic platform for the University to leverage the combined competitive advantages of both cities and foster cross-boundary collaboration, further enhancing its overall position and capacities in the region and beyond. SHCIRI is committed to fostering frontier research advancement, knowledge transfer and industry collaboration, as well as providing quality executive education.

HKUST R and D Corporation (Shenzhen) Limited (RDCSZ): RDCSZ is theMainland subsidiary of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology R and D Corporation Limited that drives technology transfer to Mainland industries, and operates the Blue Bay incubator for growing the HKUST start-up ecosystem.

HKUST Innovation and Commercialization (Shenzhen) Corporation Limited (ICC): ICC is the wholly owned subsidiary of RTC SZ, for expanding HKUST incubation and knowledge transfer capacity in Shenzhen.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST, the General Director will provide visionary leadership and operational oversight for both Institutes and the other knowledge transfer entities in Shenzhen. The appointee will be responsible for developing the Institutes into prestigious research collaborative platforms in the GBA, building a critical mass of research capabilities there, deepening government relationship and industry engagement, fostering knowledge exchange between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, strengthening research impact and delivering innovative executive education programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall strategic direction, operational management, and governance for both Institutes, ensuring alignment with HKUST’s broader mission and regional development goals.
• Develop and implement annual business plans, budgets, and performance metrics for both entities.

• Spearhead the growth of multi-disciplinary research programs and facilitate the translation of cutting-edge technologies from the lab to the market.
• Strengthen the Institutes' positions as premier collaborative hubs by attracting top-tier research talent, securing external funding, and forging strategic partnerships with government, academia, and industry.

• Deepen and expand the Industry-Education-Research (IER) ecosystem at the Institutes. Cultivate robust partnerships with industries in Shenzhen or the Greater Bay Area to drive co-development, technology licensing, and commercialization.

• Optimize the focus, activities and resources across the institutes and knowledge transfer entities to align with their respective mission and positioning while enhancing synergies among them
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance organizational culture across the teams.

• Lead the design and delivery of innovative, high-impact executive education programs that address the evolving needs of the GBA’s talent pool and business community.

Qualifications

Mandatory Academic Background:

• A doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in relevant Science, Engineering, Technology, or related research discipline from a recognized university.
• A senior academic with a sustained record of research leadership and scholarly excellence, commensurate with appointment at a senior research-focused professorial level at a leading research-intensive university. Proven experience in research management, academic governance, and mentorship of early-career researchers is required.
• Scholarly distinction evidenced by a sustained history of high-impact publications, successful competitive grant acquisition, and significant contributions to their field of expertise.

Leadership & Managerial Experience:

• Senior Administrative Leadership: Substantial, proven experience in senior executive or administrative roles within a university, research institute, or major R&D organization (e.g., Dean, Department Head, School Director, Associate Vice-President, or equivalent).
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to formulate and execute long-term strategic plans that drive institutional growth, enhance regional competitiveness, and respond to national innovation priorities.
• Industry & Government Engagement: A strong track record of fostering public-private partnerships, securing external funding from governmental and industrial sources, and navigating the innovation and policy landscapes of the Greater Bay Area and Mainland China.
• Integrity and Accountability: Demonstrated commitment in maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability in managing all business activities related to the institutes and knowledge transfer entities

Desirable Attributes:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Experience in technology commercialization, intellectual property management, and nurturing start-up incubation is highly desirable.
• Excellent Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills, with native or professional fluency in both English and Mandarin Chinese (Cantonese proficiency is a plus).

Application Instructions

The initial term of directorship will be 3 years, renewable upon mutual agreement. Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits will be provided. The appointment will be concurrent with an academic appointment.

Applications and nominations for the positions are invited from well-qualified and accomplished scholars. In addition to extensive teaching and research experience, the successful candidates must have demonstrated capability to provide strong leadership in academic administration at tertiary level. Experience in engaging with academic institutions, government, industry and commercial sectors is an advantage.

Applicants need to submit (i) full curriculum vitae; (ii) statement of research interests; and (iii) contact information of three qualified referees.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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