Head and Professor, Sustainable Energy and Environment (SEE) Thrust, HKUST (GZ)

Founded in June 2022, HKUST (GZ) is located in Nansha, Guangzhou, the geometric center of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It is perfectly placed for geographical convenience and forms part of an axis for technological progress. They call it the new Silicon Valley of the East.

It 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.

HKUST(GZ) 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–another radical departure from the conventional practice in higher education. The HKUST(GZ) community will consist of 1000 faculty members, 4000 undergraduates and 6000 postgraduates.

Our academic staff are drawn from the world’s finest institutions. Here English is the medium of instruction and undergraduate programs are carefully articulated with postgraduate studies.

SEE Thrust, as a cross-disciplinary hard science platform, the vision is to become a leading program in cross-disciplinary education and research in the sustainable energy and environment area. We provide a dynamic research agenda that spans multiple cutting-edge areas, with a particular focus on integrating artificial intelligence to advance next-generation sustainable energy systems and cultivate a future healthy living environment.

The strategic research areas in SEE include Energy Storage, Efficient Energy Conversion and Processes, Bioinspired Propulsion/Energy, Digital Energy Technology, Carbon Capture and Conversion, Air Pollution Characterization and Control, Toxicity and Exposure Assessment. SEE will pioneer innovative and cross-disciplinary energy research leveraging AI technologies, aiming to uncover major solutions to the problem of climate change. We pursue big, ambitious ideas that redefine what is possible by merging AI with energy and environmental science. SEE faculty’s research will push the boundaries of fundamental science, applied science, technology, engineering, art and more, to solve complex cross-disciplinary challenges, as well as develop useful technologies through AI-driven methods, to move them from laboratory to commercial and industrial applications.

In education, SEE is privileged in sustainability, energy, and environment studies, striving towards excellence to be the global leader in these fields. Our cross-disciplinary research achievements underpin the education we offer to our students. We aim to nurture a new generation of energy and environmental professionals who take a cross-disciplinary and holistic view—equipped with AI-driven research capabilities—to tackle climate change mitigation and emissions reduction.

(Please check our webpage for more details via this link)

Responsibilities

The Head of the Thrust of Sustainable Energy and Environment (SEE) will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Thrust. This includes overseeing curriculum development, academic programs, faculty recruitment and development, and managing the Thrust’s budget and resources. The Head is also responsible for developing and executing the Thrust’s strategic plan, ensuring its goals are aligned with the University’s overall mission and vision.

The successful candidate should possess a proven ability to shape the academic direction of the Thrust, backed by significant relevant experience. In addition, he or she will act as a key liaison to foster integration and collaboration with other academic units across the broader university community.

Reporting to the Dean of the Function Hub, the Head’s primary duties include:

• Overseeing the academic curriculum to ensure its relevance and alignment with current trends and practices in sustainable energy and environment.
• Providing leadership for the creation and launch of new academic programs and initiatives.
• Developing and implementing effective strategies to recruit, mentor, and retain high-caliber faculty.
• Facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty, staff, and students of other academic units to drive academic excellence and innovation.
• Building and nurturing strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, including other academic institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders  to promote innovation and collaboration in the community.
• Engaging in ongoing professional development to remain at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices in the field.
• Ensuring full compliance with all University’s policies, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Managing the budget and resources for the Thrust’s academic affairs effectively and responsibly. 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the Head of the Thrust of Sustainable Energy and Environment (SEE) should be an accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and program management. She/He must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative solutions. 

The successful candidate is expected to be appointed at the rank of full professor and must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, complemented by a deep understanding of the needs of both students and faculty.

Academic Credentials: An outstanding academic track record in the fields of sustainable energy and environment, with established domestic and international recognition.

Leadership & Administrative Experience: A proven record of successful leadership and effective administrative management. The candidate must demonstrate impact on policymaking and the ability to effectively advocate technology driven business innovation.

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.

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 sustainability, energy, and environment, and to translate these insights into actionable plans. 

Commitment to Excellence & Inclusion: A deep commitment to academic excellence, a passion for advancing excellence to be the global leader for energy, environment, and sustainability, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of academic affairs.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service

This is a full-time appointment, normally for an initial term of 3 years, and renewable subject to mutual agreement. Competitive remuneration of international standard and generous fringe benefits, including medical and housing support will be provided.

Salary is highly competitive of international standard and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Generous research funds, ample laboratory space and excellent research equipment and support will be provided. All posts are tenure-track appointments in Chinese Mainland and to be offered by the HKUST(GZ) in accordance with the local employment laws and regulations. Appointment to Professor rank will be made on substantive basis with tenure.

The monthly starting salary (RMB) for Professor position is as follows:

• Professor: 120,000

Application Procedure

To apply, please register and log in via our career portal: https://career.hkust-gz.edu.cn/en/career and search for the opening by job ID 6647 or Job Title. In support of our commitment to a green work environment, we require all applications to be submitted online via https://facrecruit.hkust-gz.edu.cn, to SEE Thrust, quoting Job ID: 6647. You may check the application status via the recruitment website.

Please be advised that Thrust Head candidates are expected to be appointed at the rank of full professor and will be go through the same academic hiring procedures. In addition to the required materials in the system, applicants should also outline leadership and administrative experience in the submitted resume and submit a Vision Statement for this position via online recruitment system as one of the additional files.

While we appreciate all expressions of interest, please be advised that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the status of their application. For inquiries in exceptional circumstances, such as regarding an unsuccessful application, please contact the SEE Head Search Committee Secretariat at [email protected].

For eligible academics who would wish to apply for full professorship only (without administrative title), applicants are also welcome to apply for tenure track faculty positions at Sustainable Energy and Environment (SEE) Thrust, quoting Job ID: 6567. Job posting details are available at https://career.hkust-gz.edu.cn/en/job-detail?jobId=1160.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes only.)

HKUST(GZ) is committed to diversity in recruitment and equal opportunity employment and we strongly encourage suitable candidates of diverse backgrounds to submit their applications.