The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Guangzhou, commonly known as HKUST(GZ), has launched an open call for faculty positions within its Artificial Intelligence Thrust, presenting a compelling opportunity for researchers and educators specializing in this rapidly evolving field. Nestled in the vibrant Greater Bay Area, this recruitment drive underscores the university's commitment to pioneering AI advancements through a unique cross-disciplinary framework. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries worldwide, HKUST(GZ) seeks talented individuals to contribute to groundbreaking research and innovative teaching, fostering the next generation of AI experts.

This initiative aligns with the global surge in AI talent demand, where institutions are competing to attract top minds capable of bridging theoretical foundations with practical applications. For academics eyeing tenure-track or teaching-track roles, these positions offer not just professional growth but also immersion in one of Asia's most dynamic innovation hubs. The Artificial Intelligence Thrust, part of the Information Hub, emphasizes both fundamental research and real-world implementations, making it an ideal platform for those passionate about driving AI's transformative potential.

Understanding HKUST(GZ): A New Frontier in Higher Education

HKUST(GZ), established in June 2022 as an extension of the renowned Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, operates under a cooperative model between mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Located in Nansha District, Guangzhou, the campus embodies a 'smart green' design, promoting sustainability alongside cutting-edge scholarship. Unlike traditional departmental structures, HKUST(GZ) adopts a hub-and-thrust model that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. Hubs represent broad thematic areas, while thrusts focus on specific domains like artificial intelligence, enabling seamless integration across engineering, data science, and beyond.

By 2025, the university aims to recruit around 400 regular faculty members, building towards a steady-state community of 800 faculty, 4,000 undergraduates, and 6,000 postgraduates. English serves as the primary language for instruction and administration, attracting a diverse international faculty from leading global institutions. This setup mirrors top research universities while leveraging the Greater Bay Area's economic prowess, including proximity to tech giants and government-backed R&D initiatives. For prospective applicants, this means access to abundant funding opportunities, such as National Natural Science Foundation of China grants and local innovation funds.

The Artificial Intelligence Thrust: Mission and Strategic Vision

Under the Information Hub, the Artificial Intelligence Thrust rides on HKUST's storied legacy in AI research to cultivate high-caliber talents with interdisciplinary prowess and global outlooks. Its mission centers on nurturing an AI research ecosystem rooted in the Greater Bay Area yet internationally oriented, branded by HKUST's excellence. Faculty here engage in both basic research—exploring core theories—and applied projects tackling societal challenges, from healthcare diagnostics to sustainable development.

The thrust promotes collaborative ecosystems where researchers from computer science, mathematics, neuroscience, and engineering converge. This approach not only accelerates discoveries but also equips students with versatile skills for the AI-driven job market. Recent highlights include advancements in trustworthy AI systems and multimodal intelligence, positioning the thrust as a leader in ethical AI deployment amid growing regulatory scrutiny worldwide.

Core Research Areas Driving Innovation

Applicants are invited to align their expertise with a wide array of focus areas, ensuring opportunities for specialization while encouraging breadth. Key domains include:

• Foundation Models and Large Language Models (LLMs): Developing scalable architectures for advanced natural language understanding and generation.
• Computer Vision and Multimodal Intelligence: Integrating visual data with other modalities for robust perception systems.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enhancing machine comprehension of human language for conversational AI and translation.
• Machine Learning Theory and Algorithms: Theoretical underpinnings and efficient computational methods.
• Reinforcement Learning and Decision Intelligence: Optimizing sequential decision-making in dynamic environments.
• Generative AI and Creative Applications: Tools for content creation in arts, design, and media.
• Robotics, Human-AI Interaction, and Embodied Intelligence: Bridging digital intelligence with physical worlds.
• AI Systems and High-Performance Computing: Scalable infrastructure for large-scale AI training.
• Trustworthy, Explainable, and Responsible AI: Ensuring fairness, transparency, and safety.
• AI for Science, Healthcare, and Sustainability: Domain-specific applications like drug discovery and climate modeling.

Additional emphases span data mining, deep learning, graph learning, quantum machine learning, and AI agents, reflecting the thrust's comprehensive scope. These areas draw from real-world needs, such as Greater Bay Area's smart city initiatives and Asia's digital economy boom.

Qualifications and Role Expectations

A Ph.D. in a relevant field—such as computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or statistics—is the foundational requirement. For tenure-track positions:

• Assistant Professor: Demonstrate strong potential in research productivity, grant acquisition, and teaching effectiveness.
• Associate Professor: Established track record in high-impact publications, student mentoring, and external funding.
• Professor: World-class achievements, international leadership, and proven excellence in all facets of academia.

Teaching-track roles prioritize pedagogical innovation, curriculum design, and student engagement. Candidates should excel in delivering courses like Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics for AI, Data Mining, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing. Passion for mentorship and adapting to diverse student cohorts is essential, with prior university-level teaching preferred for senior ranks.

Responsibilities encompass research leadership, graduate supervision, course development, and service contributions, balanced to support work-life integration.

Photo by Galuh hari setiawan on Unsplash

Tenure-Track Versus Teaching-Track Pathways

HKUST(GZ) offers flexibility through dual tracks. Tenure-track appointments follow a rigorous yet supportive model: initial six-year contracts for junior roles with mid-term reviews, leading to substantive tenure for Professors and select Associates. Evaluations weigh research output, teaching quality, and service holistically, akin to leading U.S. institutions.

Teaching-track positions provide renewable three-year contracts (up to six years), ideal for education-focused scholars. Both pathways benefit from reduced teaching loads for new hires, ample research startup funds, and sabbatical opportunities. This duality accommodates diverse career goals, from pure research to instructional leadership.

Attractive Remuneration and Comprehensive Benefits

Compensation packages rival top international universities, calibrated to qualifications and experience, with salaries disbursed in RMB amid Guangzhou's cost-effective living. Fringe benefits include:

• Private health insurance covering faculty and eligible family members.
• On-campus housing at subsidized rates or generous allowances for off-campus options.
• Tax rebates in the Greater Bay Area (15% cap for eligible non-mainland passport holders).
• Social insurance, accident coverage, and retirement provisions up to age 65 (extendable).
• Startup grants, conference travel support, and spousal hiring considerations.

The Nansha location offers metro connectivity, high-speed rail to Hong Kong (28 minutes), and proximity to international schools, malls, and leisure. This ecosystem supports family relocations seamlessly. For more on campus life, explore the official recruitment overview.

Streamlined Application Process

Applications are accepted year-round via the dedicated HKUST(GZ) Recruitment System. Create a personal account, upload a cover letter, CV, research/teaching statements, three reference letters, and up to three representative papers. Tailor submissions to multiple thrusts if applicable, noting cluster or spousal interests.

Reviews proceed continuously until positions fill, with shortlisted candidates contacted promptly. Inquiries go to facultyhire@hkust-gz.edu.cn (system/general) or ait@hkust-gz.edu.cn (position-specific). Detailed guidance on the AI Thrust page aids preparation.

Appeal to Singapore's AI Talent Pool

Singapore boasts world-class AI ecosystems at National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU), with ongoing faculty hires in AI amid 2026 rankings excellence. Yet, HKUST(GZ) offers unique advantages: explosive Greater Bay Area growth (projected USD 1.7 trillion GDP by 2026), cross-strait collaborations, and HKUST's global prestige (top young university per Times Higher Education).

Recent recruitment roadshows in Singapore highlight targeted outreach. Proximity—direct flights under four hours—eases transitions, while tax incentives and family benefits rival Singapore's. For mid-career academics, this represents career acceleration in a less saturated market, complementing Singapore's focus with China's scale.

Building Momentum: Research Highlights and Faculty Community

The AI Thrust already features luminaries like Acting Thrust Head Professor Xiaowen Chu, alongside experts in ML systems and trustworthy AI. Ongoing projects span quantum machine learning, AI agents, and healthcare applications, bolstered by state-of-the-art facilities. Interdisciplinary ties with Data Science, IoT, and Systems Hubs amplify impact, evidenced by rising publications and grants.

This vibrant community fosters mentorship, with no rigid student quotas enabling personalized supervision. Graduates enter high-demand roles, mirroring HKUST's 29th global employability ranking.

Photo by Anna Elgebrant Rekstad on Unsplash

Future Horizons: AI's Role in the Greater Bay Area

As Asia leads AI adoption—China investing billions in 2026 initiatives—HKUST(GZ) positions itself at the nexus. Expect synergies with smart cities, fintech, and biotech, addressing challenges like ethical AI governance and sustainable tech. For applicants, joining now means shaping this trajectory, with long-term stability via tenure pathways and entrepreneurial support.

This recruitment not only elevates personal careers but advances regional innovation, making HKUST(GZ) a beacon for AI excellence.

Ready to apply? Check the listing on AcademicJobs.com and submit today.