"Vice President (Research) (Ref. 251030015-IE)"

The Institution

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/.

The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Vice President (Research). Reporting to the Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), the appointee will be a member of the Central Management Team responsible for the planning and development of matters related to research of the University as set out below.

Job Functions

The appointee will be required to:

1. plan, lead and oversee all aspects of the research activities and development of the University;
2. drive the continuous enhancement of quality, relevance and impact of the University’s research in alignment with the University’s established research policies and positioning;
3. steer the University’s development in selected research areas with the aim of strengthening its leadership and reputation regionally and internationally;
4. oversee the operation of designated research facilities and units of the University; and
5. perform any other duties as assigned by the Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) or his/her delegates.

Qualifications

Applicants should:

1. have outstanding academic qualifications at Chair Professor level with evidence of eminent scholarship;
2. have demonstrated capability and track records in leading and managing research activities, with solid experience acquired in a senior capacity of a sizable and renowned university;
3. be a visionary and inspiring leader with a strong drive for excellent performance;
4. have a proven track record in driving significant changes in academia successfully, particularly in the areas of research;
5. have an international outlook and a good understanding of global trends and opportunities in higher education, particularly in the areas of research;
6. have extensive local and regional networks with the academia, industry, business and professional sectors;
7. have exceptional communications, interpersonal and presentation skills;
8. have the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders; and
9. have an excellent command of both written and spoken English, with proficiency in Chinese being an advantage.

Preference will be given to those with a good knowledge of the regional research landscapes.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service

Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive.

Application and Nomination

Please submit applications and nominations to Director of Human Resources, 13/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong or via email to hr.vpr@polyu.edu.hk. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence in mid-November 2025 until the position is filled. All applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence. Applicants may visit http://www.polyu.edu.hk for general information about the University. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/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/.