Provost

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Provost

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) invites nominations and applications for the position of Provost.

The University

Founded in 1991, HKUST is an international research university dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering, business & management, and  humanities & social science; and the education of the next generation of leaders for the world. With equal emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate education as well as close collaboration with industry and business, HKUST is a leading university with significant international impact and strong local commitment. Within a short history of 30 years, HKUST has established a substantial presence in the global higher education scene and garnered considerable international recognition. HKUST ranks #1 in the World’s Top 400 Young Universities 2020 in Times Higher Education, 27th worldwide (#2 in Hong Kong) in the QS World University Rankings in 2021, and 26th worldwide (#2 in Greater China and #1 in Hong Kong) in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020 by Times Higher Education. Its EMBA Program has topped the highly regarded Financial Times Global EMBA Rankings 10 times (in 2007, 2009-2013, 2016-2018 and 2020), and it also ranked #2 in the QS Global Joint EMBA Rankings in 2020. 

At the heart of the University’s pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and societal impact lies uncompromising efforts to recruit and retain the best talents globally and locally. HKUST comprises around 700 internationally respected and diverse faculty members, with about 10,000 undergraduate and 5,600 postgraduate students. The University seeks to diversify its critical mass of world-class academics, researchers, staff and students in order to drive cutting-edge education and research initiatives and deliver academic and administrative excellence. It promotes interdisciplinary studies and a strong entrepreneurial spirit in a diverse learning environment that enhance students’ development of creativity, innovative thinking and a global outlook. Proactive faculty recruitment is undertaken from around the world in all its disciplines. HKUST upholds the values of diversity and an inclusive and collaborative community. English is the language used in teaching, research and administration. 

The University, being in its 30th anniversary, strives to think forward and transform education for the future that defies the boundaries of traditional fields and opens up new frontiers of knowledge and research to address unfolding needs of the wider society.  Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), which is scheduled to open in September 2022, creates an exceptional opportunity to systematically develop cross-disciplinary programs in concert with the disciplinary-oriented efforts at the Clear Water Bay campus. Following a Unified HKUST – Complementary Campuses strategy, the two HKUST campuses will be fully synergistic without overlapping degree programs, forming a new and creative academic structure at HKUST. Although the two HKUST campuses are separate legal entities with different financial frameworks, faculty are encouraged and supported to collaborate and co-supervise students, and students will have opportunities to pursue degrees offered by both campuses. Accordingly, members of both campuses will achieve maximum synergy in education and research that is responsive and adaptive to ever-changing global trends. 

The Role 

Reporting directly to the President, the Provost shall assist the President who is the chief executive and academic officer of the University to provide leadership in setting the overall academic strategy and priorities of the University, and oversee its core mission in advancing learning and knowledge. The Provost shall have the vision and drive to cultivate support and collaboration between the Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses. In partnership with the President and working in close collaboration with three other Vice-Presidents in their designated roles, the Provost shall provide vision and leadership in the University’s academic and education enterprise, including oversight of the Schools, academic departments, interdisciplinary units, academic support services and programs; academic planning and resources management; academic personnel policies and their implementation; and student recruitment and development.

The Candidate

The Provost is expected to be a visionary academic leader with outstanding academic stature, a commitment to academic and educational excellence and demonstrated ability to lead and manage a dynamic academic organization at a senior level with successful track record of strategic planning and development. The ideal candidate should possess a global perspective and a deep understanding of the higher education sector locally and internationally.

Terms & Applications/Nominations

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

Applications/nominations, together with a full curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of three referees, should be sent to Dr Jesse Sloane of Perrett Laver by email to hkust-provost@perrettlaver.com. Review of  candidates will begin shortly and continue until the position is filled. 

HKUST is committed to diversity in recruitment and equal opportunity employment. Additional information about HKUST is available on the website https://hkust.edu.hk/.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.)