"Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development"

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (Ref. 251112003-IE)

[on a concurrent basis and normally for a fixed term]

With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible leaders and professionals, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation. PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the University’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by well-known ranking organisations such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in seven faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved commendable results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for seven subjects, is first in Hong Kong for three subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 26 subjects. For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.

Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development

The Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) was established in 2012 by Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU. It is one of the constituent research units under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR).

RISUD plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable urban development by advancing the conservation of natural ecosystems and fostering energy- and resource-efficient living environments. Its key areas of focus include water management, outdoor air quality, and urban infrastructure. By leveraging PolyU’s interdisciplinary research strengths and utilising Hong Kong as a “living laboratory”, RISUD seeks to develop innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges of high-density urban environments.

The institute’s mission is to address the complexities of urbanisation through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, facilitate knowledge transfer through strategic partnerships with industry and government, and foster a culture of urban sustainability through active community engagement and public service. For more information about PAIR and RISUD, please visit the websites at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/ and https://www.polyu.edu.hk/risud/ respectively.

The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of the Director of RISUD. The successful candidate will be appointed Chair Professor/Professor normally on regular terms of appointment (equivalent to tenured professorship), commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and will hold the concurrent directorship appointment. The concurrent directorship appointment is usually for a term of three years on a renewable basis.

Job Functions

The position calls for a visionary academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the Research Institute. Reporting to both the Head of the home Unit(s) and the Director of PAIR, the appointee will be required to:

• (a) provide effective leadership in the development of long-term strategies and plans of RISUD, in alignment with PAIR’s and the University’s Strategic Plan, and to distinguish RISUD’s research from that of other sister research institutes and centres under PAIR;
• (b) facilitate the conduct of innovative and original research of high quality and impact, and promote and develop genuine interdisciplinary research with the optimal use of research funds;
• (c) ensure high-quality teaching as well as holistic development of the students, and align the programmes of the home Unit(s) with the needs of the community;
• (d) provide leadership in technology development, commercialisation and entrepreneurship initiatives to extend the impact of research outcomes of the University to the community;
• (e) provide leadership in developing a strong network of partnership with leading tertiary institutions for opportunities and collaboration in research and knowledge transfer activities;
• (f) enhance the local and international networks of partnerships and linkages with the community, particularly the professional, public and business sectors, so as to gain their support for the major strategic initiatives of PAIR and the University;
• (g) ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in RISUD;
• (h) implement an effective mechanism to acquire external research funding, donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University’s pursuits and long-term development; and
• (i) undertake other duties as assigned by the Head of home Unit(s), the Director of PAIR or the Central Management Team of the University from time to time.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• (a) academic qualifications at the doctoral level in a relevant academic discipline, evidence of eminent scholarship and substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position, and relevant professional qualification and registration where appropriate;
• (b) attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally leading university;
• (c) demonstrated capability and track records in leading and managing interdisciplinary research and collaboration, and demonstrated international leadership in the relevant specialist areas;
• (d) a strong record in attracting research funding and demonstrated excellence in high quality research outputs;
• (e) a distinguished reputation as a world-leading researcher, with a strong commitment to impactful research to address societal challenges;
• (f) a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching;
• (g) excellent local, regional and/or global networks with universities and research institutions as well as the industry, business and government;
• (h) excellent interpersonal and presentation skills for effective engagement with different stakeholders both internally and externally; and
• (i) good knowledge of the higher educational environment in the local and global context.

Experience in fund-raising will be an additional advantage.

Conditions of Service

Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive. For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf.

Application and Nomination

The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment. Please submit an application together with a detailed CV and a directorship statement through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/deans_heads). In the CV, please indicate the academic Unit(s) to be affiliated as the home Unit(s) of the Chair Professorship/Professorship appointment. Information of the University’s academic Unit(s) is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/education/faculties-schools-departments/. Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to the Chairman of the Search Committee for recruitment of Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development at hrscrisud@polyu.edu.hk. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 1 January 2026 until the position is filled. General information about the University is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5041]. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment.

*PolyU is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and demonstrates inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences where all members of the University are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. To learn more about the University’s “Statement on Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion”, please visit our website at* https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/equal_opportunities_diversity_and_inclusion/*.*