Head of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering

The University

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2026, and 20th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education's Impact Rankings 2026. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with "Electrical and Electronic Engineering" coming in 33th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. As of January 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 21 exits (IPO or M&A).

The Department

The Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE) currently has 44 tenured-track faculty members, out of which 17 are IEEE Fellows, and 11 are Fellows of other renowned professional organizations (including a member of the National Academy of Engineering USA). Offering academic degrees in BEng, MPhil, MSc, and PhD, to about 770 undergraduate students and over 550 postgraduate research students, the Department has a broad and distinguished coverage in Integrated Circuits and Systems, Wireless Communications and Networks, Control and Robotic Systems, Biomedical Engineering, Microelectronics, Photonics, Quantum Engineering, and Data Science and AI. We are at the forefronts of AI chips, 6G wireless technology, robotics, drones and automated vehicles.

Our faculty work on electronic engineering innovations that enable an integrative perspective of both software and hardware. We combine system level integrated solutions that can address societal needs. Our faculty hold major collaborative research programs including two Area of Excellence (AoE) in 6G wireless communications and in Aging and Health, Strategic research topics in wide-bandgap and ultra-wide-bandgap semiconductor microelectronics, collaborative research fund in brain machine interfaces and neuro diseases, and research impact fund in AI-assisted image analysis for diseases diagnostics.

The Role

Reporting to the Dean of Engineering, the Head of ECE is expected to provide leadership for the Department and manage its diverse academic and administrative functions.

Terms & Applications / Nominations

Concurrent with a tenured professorial appointment, the Head appointment will typically be for an initial 3-year term and may be renewable for a second term. Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate, will be provided.

Applications and nominations are invited from well-qualified and accomplished scholars. The successful candidate must have extensive teaching and research experience, a broad knowledge base, and an open mindset to inclusively appreciate the full scope of ECE areas. They should be a visionary leader with strong academic administration skills at the tertiary level, managing decisions and resource allocation with fairness and impartiality. As an excellent communicator, the candidate will facilitate growth across all areas of the department and be willing to dedicate ample time to actively support and guide it to achieve meaningful impact. Additionally, proven ability to collaborate effectively with government, industry, and commercial sectors is an advantage.

Applications/nominations, together with a full curriculum vitae and names and email addresses of three referees, should be sent through the HKUST recruitment system (apply.interfolio.com/193481). Candidate reviews will begin on 15 November 2026, and the search will continue until the position is filled.

For more information about the University, the School of Engineering and the ECE Department, please visit hkust.edu.hk, seng.hkust.edu.hk, and ece.hkust.edu.hk respectively.

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.