Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering

THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a government-funded tertiary institution in Hong Kong.  The University was ranked 75th according to the QS World University Rankings 2021.  It offers programmes at various levels including Doctorate, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees.  It has a full-time staff strength of around 5,300 including 1,200 academic staff.  The total annual consolidated expenditure budget of the University is in excess of HK$7.4 billion.  Committed to academic excellence, PolyU aspires to become a leading university that excels in professional education, world-class research and partnership for the betterment of Hong Kong, the nation and the world. For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at http://www.polyu.edu.hk.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering (Ref. 20081401)

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) has been one of the three founding departments of the University since 1937.

ME is one of the seven academic units in the Faculty of Engineering. Its world-class faculty and internationally reputed programmes draw students from across the globe. It offers academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, over a large spectrum of topics including Combustion and Pollution Control, Fluid-structure Interactions, Materials and Mechanics, Sound and Vibration, Control and Robotics, Clean Energy Technologies, Aeronautical Engineering, Product Design and Development.  Please visit the website at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/me for more information about ME.

The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate will be appointed as Chair Professor/Professor normally on regular terms of appointment, commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and hold a concurrent headship appointment. The headship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office. Other suitable candidate(s), if deemed appropriate by the University, may be appointed as Chair Professor/Professor.

Job Functions

The position calls for a visionary academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the Department.  Reporting directly to the Dean of Faculty of Engineering, the appointee will be required to:

(a)    provide effective leadership in the development of long-term strategies and plans of the Department, in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan, and coaching and   empowering subordinates so that they can accomplish planned objectives with world-class standards and in an effective and efficient  manner;

(b)    ensure high-quality teaching as well as holistic development of the students, and align the Department’s programmes with the needs of the community; 

(c)    facilitate the conduct of innovative and original research of high quality and impact, and promote and develop genuine cross-disciplinary/departmental research with the optimal use of research funds; 

(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 institutions for opportunities and collaboration in education, 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 the University; 

(g)    ensure effective internal communication that leads to a transparent decision-making process and promote the Department’s strengths and other services to all relevant  stakeholders; 

(h)    ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in the Department;

(i)    implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University’s pursuits and long-term development; and

(j)    undertake other responsibilities and tasks as may be assigned by the Dean of Faculty or the President’s designate from time to time.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

(a)    academic qualifications at the doctoral level in a relevant academic discipline, evidence of eminent scholarship, substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position, and relevant professional qualifications where appropriate; 

(b)    attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally recognized university;

(c)    a distinguished international reputation in research and scholarship, and demonstrated international leadership in any one or more of the specialist areas, namely (i) Control, Acoustics and Dynamics; (ii) Energy Conversion and Storage; (iii) Materials and Solid Mechanics; and (iv) Thermofluids and Combustion;

(d)    a strong record in attracting competitive research funding;

(e)    a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching; 

(f)    a global perspective, proven qualities of academic leadership and substantial administration / management experience, as well as the demonstrated ability of building up a strong team of faculty members with different research and cultural backgrounds; 

(g)    effective interpersonal communication and resources management skills, and excellent adaptability to changes and challenges; 

(h)    good knowledge of the higher educational environment in the local and global context; and

(i)    a high standard of personal integrity.

Experience in fund-raising will be an additional advantage.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service

The 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 http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/TC.htm

Application and Nomination

Applicants are invited to send a detailed curriculum vitae and direct any enquiries, to the Chairman of the Search Committee for Recruitment of Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Human Resources Office, 13/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong via email to hrscme@polyu.edu.hk, quoting the position being applied for and the reference number.  It is optional for the applicants to include two to three reference letters in their applications. Consideration of applications will commence in early October 2020 until the position is filled.  Candidature may be obtained by nominations. General information about the University is available at http://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 6562].  The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/job/en/guide_forms/pics.php.

PolyU is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, ethnicity, nationality, family status or physical or mental disabilities.