Director of HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS)

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study.

The HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study (IAS)

The HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) is committed to providing a platform for catalytic interaction among the world’s foremost scientists and scholars to pursue enduring knowledge.  The IAS serves to spearhead both fundamental and applied research relevant to the needs of society, nurture gifted students and postdoctoral fellows in the pursuit of knowledge, and raise community interest in the latest scientific and technological discoveries.  The Institute recruits top-notch scholars as IAS Professors to further elevate the academic standing of HKUST and Hong Kong, invites intellectual leaders in their respective areas to visit and interact with the local academic community, and engages outstanding HKUST faculty to lead frontier research projects. It champions collaborative research across disciplines and institutions, and supports research and other initiatives that contribute to academic advancement at HKUST and across the region. IAS also organizes and sponsors events and activities ranging from lectures and forums, conferences and workshops, to topical research programs. On a wider scale, the Institute forges strong relationships with leaders from a diversity of backgrounds to make a difference in the academic world.

Further information about IAS may be found here: https://ias.hkust.edu.hk/.

About HKUST

Founded in 1991, HKUST is an international research university dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering, business & management, and humanities & social science, and the education of the next generation of leaders for the world. With equal emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate education as well as close collaboration with industry and business, HKUST is a leading university with significant international impact and strong local commitment. Within a short history of 32 years, HKUST has established a substantial presence in the global higher education sector and garnered considerable international recognition. HKUST ranks #2 in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings; #1 in Hong Kong and #3 in Greater China in the latest THE Global University Employability Ranking; and #7 in the latest THE Asia University Rankings. Its EMBA Program has topped the highly regarded Financial Times Global EMBA Rankings 11 times: in 2007, 2009-2013, 2016-2018, 2020 and 2022. Located on a hillside and waterfront complex overlooking the Clear Water Bay peninsula, HKUST also boasts one of the most scenic campuses in the world.

At the heart of the University’s pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and societal impact lie uncompromising efforts to recruit and retain the best talents globally and locally.  HKUST comprises around 720 internationally respected and diverse faculty members, with about 10,000 undergraduate and 7,100 postgraduate students.  The University seeks to diversify its intellectual community of world-class academics, researchers, staff and students in order to drive cutting-edge education and research initiatives and deliver academic and administrative excellence.  It promotes interdisciplinary studies and a strong entrepreneurial spirit in a diverse learning environment that enhances student development of creativity, innovative thinking and a global outlook.  Proactive faculty recruitment is undertaken from around the world in all its disciplines. HKUST upholds the values of diversity and an inclusive and collaborative community. English is the language used in teaching, research and administration.

The Role

Reporting directly to the University President, the IAS Director is responsible for:

·       Providing overall direction to the Institute, including planning and overseeing its academic programs;

·       Building a vibrant IAS community by overseeing the recruitment and engagement of IAS Professors, IAS Fellows, visitors, advisors, and other members of the IAS community;

·       Actively engaging members of HKUST, in particular faculty members; and fostering stronger links and collaborations with schools, departments and divisions;

·       Cultivating collaboration among stakeholders and establishing partnerships with local, national and international researchers and education institutions; and

·       Nurturing a dynamic research environment within HKUST and fostering a culture of research excellence.

The Director is expected to possess exceptional research expertise coupled with vision, energy, and unwavering dedication to scholarly excellence. Relevant experience in university leadership aligned with the high standards and ambitious goals of the IAS is desirable.  Additionally, the Director may be called upon to support the President in occasional fundraising activities for the IAS.

The Directorship will be a full-time appointment, normally for an initial term of 5 years which may be renewed for a second term.  The appointment will be concurrent with a substantive professorial appointment. Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate, will be provided.

How to Apply

HKUST is represented in this search by the search firm Perrett Laver. For a confidential discussion about the post, or to submit nominations for the role, please contact Mr. Kieran Pollentine at hkust-dias@perrett laver.com.  Applications should include a complete CV as well as a brief covering letter indicating your interest in the post. Review of candidates will begin in December 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

(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.