"Founding Dean of Medicine"

Founding Dean of Medicine

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) invites applications and nominations for its Founding Dean of the School of Medicine.

The University

HKUST is a dynamic young University with a global reputation for impact and innovation. Founded in 1991, HKUST is consistently ranked among the world’s best institutions and 1st in Hong Kong for graduate employability.

As a world-renowned international research and interdisciplinary University with top-tier programs in science, engineering, business and management, humanities and social science, and interdisciplinary studies, HKUST is known for its entrepreneurial culture and powerful connections to industry and research. The University’s English-speaking academic community thrives in a world-class, scenic environment at the Clear Water Bay campus.

HKUST’s pioneering spirit is amplified through the “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses” framework, expanded by the opening of the innovative HKUST(Guangzhou) campus in 2022, which deepens its interdisciplinary reach into the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

For more information about HKUST, please visit https://hkust.edu.hk.

The School of Medicine

HKUST is embarking on a landmark initiative to establish the third medical school of Hong Kong following the successful proposal of the University and subsequent official approval from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

The HKUST School of Medicine aspires to be a transformative force, focused on world-class education and research while attracting global talents. By integrating cutting-edge technology and pioneering science, the School will help shape the future of medicine and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for medical training, research, and innovation.

Built upon HKUST’s interdisciplinary strengths, deeply international character, and global networks, the School will foster a world-class learning environment. As a leader in fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and robotics, HKUST is uniquely positioned to create a medical school that seamlessly fuses exceptional clinical expertise with technological innovation. Its mission is to cultivate future-ready physicians who are not only clinically outstanding but also technologically adept, innovative, and compassionate. The School will launch a 4-year graduate-entry Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, with global admissions opening by 2027 and the inaugural class expected to commence in the 2028/29 academic year.

The School will initially operate in a dedicated new medical and teaching building at the Clear Water Bay campus, along with satellite site(s) close to a teaching hospital partner. Its long-term future includes a transition to a permanent, integrated campus and medical teaching and research hospital within Hong Kong's strategic Northern Metropolis, placing it at the center of the dynamic Greater Bay Area innovation ecosystem.

The Role

The Founding Dean of the School of Medicine is a historic leadership opportunity to architect and build a pioneering medical school from its inception. Reporting to the Provost and serving as a key member of the University's senior leadership team, the Dean will be the chief executive responsible for the School’s vision, strategy, operations, and faculty.

The Founding Dean is a seminal role that requires a leader who can translate an ambitious blueprint into a world-class institution. The Dean will be tasked with establishing the School’s identity and setting the course for its long-term success. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing the strategic vision and executive leadership to lead the School.
• Driving the development and landmark launch of the flagship MBBS program and future postgraduate offerings.
• Building a pioneering academic and research enterprise that aligns with HKUST’s interdisciplinary and technological strengths.
• Recruiting a founding cohort of world-class faculty, researchers, and student talents.
• Forging strategic partnerships with teaching hospitals, government, industry, and the global medical community.
• Securing and stewarding resources to ensure sustainable growth and excellence.

Ultimately, the Dean will cultivate an outstanding and inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive, excel and redefine the future of medicine.

The Candidate

The Founding Deanship of the HKUST School of Medicine is a unique opportunity for an exceptional and outstanding leader to create a pioneering medical school from the ground up, shaping the future of healthcare locally and globally.

The successful candidate must be a distinguished scholar with credentials for a full professorship and a record of excellence in medical education, research, and practice. Essential attributes include:

• Visionary & Strategic Leader: Proven ability to found and lead a new institution, integrating clinical excellence with technological innovation within a culture of high ethics.
• Partnership Builder: Demonstrated success in forging academic-clinical partnerships, with experience in complex health systems being a strong advantage.
• Interdisciplinary Advocate: A commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration, with change management skills to navigate evolving education and healthcare landscapes.
• Global Connector: Sophisticated understanding of international healthcare trends and an outstanding global network of leaders in medicine, science, and technology.
• Accomplished Executive: Substantial high-level administrative leadership experience in a university or similarly complex environment, combined with exceptional interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds and cultures are welcome.

Terms & Applications/Nominations

The appointment as Dean is a full-time appointment, normally for an initial term of 5 years, which is renewable for a second term subject to mutual agreement. Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate, will be provided.

HKUST is being represented by Odgers for this search. Applications/nominations, together with (i) a vision statement for the School of Medicine, (ii) a full curriculum vitae, and (iii) the names and contact information of three professional referees, should be sent by email to Jenny Chung of Odgers at HKUST-Dean.med@odgers.com. Review of applications/nominations will begin shortly and continue until the position is filled.

HKUST is committed to diversity in recruitment and equal opportunity employment, and has a range of family-friendly policies in place.