The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Ref. 260126016-IE) 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 professionals and leaders, 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/. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU enjoys a high international reputation in conducting world-class research for societal benefits and has well established partnerships with the industry and government agencies in Hong Kong and beyond.  It was ranked the 2nd best worldwide in Civil Engineering in the U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings 2025, the 17th in Civil and Structural Engineering and the 27th in Environmental Science in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.  The Department offers academic programmes at various levels, including PhD, MSC, BEng and BSc.  The Department currently has about 80 faculty members (more than 40 regular faculty members at Assistant Professor and above levels) and around 40 technical and administrative personnel, and is committed to international standards of excellence in teaching and research.  Please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cee/ for more information about the Department. The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.  The successful candidate will be appointed Chair Professor / Professor normally on regular terms of appointment (equivalent to tenured professorship), commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and will hold a concurrent headship appointment.  The concurrent headship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office.  Other suitable candidate(s) from the search, if deemed appropriate by the University, may be appointed Chair Professor / Professor if not Head of Department. 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 Construction and Environment, 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 coach and empower 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 interdisciplinary / 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 tertiary 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 duties as assigned by the Dean of Faculty or the Central Management Team of the University from time to time. Qualifications Applicants should have: (a) academic qualifications at the doctoral level in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field, 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 recognised university; (c) a distinguished international reputation in research and scholarship, and demonstrated international leadership in one or more of the specialist areas of Construction and Transportation Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering and Structural Engineering; (d) a strong record in attracting competitive or/and interdisciplinary 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 demonstrated ability of building up a strong team of faculty members with different professional, 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. Conditions of Service 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 https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf. Application and Nomination  The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment.  Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/deans_heads). Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to the Chairman of the Search Committee for recruitment of Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at hrsccee@polyu.edu.hk. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 2 March 2026 until the position is filled. General information about the University is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5041].  The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/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/.

THE UNIVERSITY 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 professionals and leaders, 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. PRESIDENTIAL YOUNG SCHOLARS SCHEME To boost the leadership and impact of PolyU’s research work in areas of significant societal needs and strategic importance, the Strategic Hiring Scheme (SHS) is introduced to recruit faculty members at all levels. The Presidential Young Scholars Scheme (PYSS) is also established to invite outstanding young scholars to join the University as Assistant Professors and Associate Professors. Applicants for the post of Assistant Professor should have undertaken their PhD and/or postdoctoral research in a world-leading research group, published a significant amount of world-leading research as a main author, and demonstrated promise of a high level of creative ability in teaching and research.  In addition, those for the post of Associate Professor should have documented scholarly production and professional achievements in teaching and research, developed an international reputation for the impact on their world-leading research, and demonstrated contribution to professional and/or public service. Priority will be given to applicants whose research falls into one or more of the following categories: (a) research that addresses significant societal challenges;   (b) research in an area of strategic importance to PolyU;   (c) research of a strong inter-disciplinary nature; and   (d) research in an emerging area of significant importance.   For more information about PolyU, its faculties, schools and individual academic units, please visit PolyU's website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk.   TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR APPOINTMENT Appointees will be conferred the title of “Presidential Young Scholar” and offered an attractive annual remuneration package of not less than HK$1 million per year as well as a start-up grant of not less than HK$4 million to support research activities (including the admission of PhD students, purchasing of equipment, and hiring of research staff) in the initial three years.  For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf. TO APPLY Please submit an application through our Global Search application webpage (https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/globalsearch/job-openings-and-application). Applicants may contact career@polyu.edu.hk for general enquiries. 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/.

Rooted in 90 years of heritage and intellectual achievement, 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 professionals and leaders, 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 2026 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for five subjects, is first in Hong Kong for four subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 24 subjects.  For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/. FACULTY OF HUMANITIES Joseph Needham Professorship in Science and Civilisation (Ref. 260513001) The Faculty of Humanities at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is dedicated to creating synergies among language, communication, history, culture, and technology in education and research, highlighting both the discovery and the transfer of knowledge.  It is a leading tertiary education provider in Asia in the fields of linguistics, language science, language technology, Chinese-English bilingual studies and translation, intercultural communication, professional communication, and cultural and historical studies of China. The Faculty also excels in areas such as AI and the humanities, computational linguistics, healthcare communication, language neuroscience, sociolinguistic studies, and speech therapy.  It consists of four academic units: Department of Chinese History and Culture, Department of English and Communication, Department of Language Science and Technology, and Division of Artificial Intelligence and the Humanities.  The appointee will be appointed as Chair Professor / Professor in one of the academic units under the Faculty of Humanities.  Please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fh for more information about the Faculty. Duties The position calls for a visionary academic leader to advance the strategic and sustainable development of the Faculty in Science and Civilisation. The successful candidate will combine world-class scholarship with exceptional leadership to shape the future of these disciplines. The appointee will be required to: (a)    provide leadership in long-term strategic planning that aligns with the University’s goals; (b)    provide leadership in strengthening local and international partnerships to advance research and education goals; (c)    develop scholarly initiatives by fostering collaboration, securing external funding, and enhancing innovative, high-impact interdisciplinary research; (d)    mentor junior faculty in teaching, research and service excellence; (e)    teach and develop curricula in science and civilisation, including Chinese science and technology history, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels;  (f)     supervise postgraduate students actively and provide guidance on their research and career development; (g)    provide active service to committee work at all levels in the Faculty and the University as well as to the scholarly community;  (h)    provide administrative support and advice for academic and Faculty/department affairs; and (i)     perform any other duties as assigned by the Head of Department or his/her delegates. Qualifications Applicants should have: (a)    a PhD degree in a relevant discipline, evidence of eminent scholarship and substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position, and relevant professional qualifications where appropriate; (b)    a global perspective, proven track record of academic leadership, and a distinguished international reputation in research and scholarship; (c)    a strong record in attracting and managing competitive research funding; (d)    a strong potential to develop local and international networks of partnerships and linkages with the community, for both professional and public sectors; (e)    a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning with substantial relevant teaching experiences; (f)     proven academic leadership and ability to foster collaboration with colleagues in teaching, intellectual contributions, and service activities to bring visibility, prestige and reputation to the University; and  (g)    an excellent command of both English and Chinese. Applicants for appointment at the Chair Professor level should have attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally reputable university. Applicants for appointment at the Professor level should have an excellent international reputation as a leading scholar. Applicants who have responded to the previous advertisement need not re-apply. Conditions of Service 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 https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf. Application and Nomination The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment.  Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/academic). Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to fh.search@polyu.edu.hk.  Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 1 July 2026 until the position is filled. General information about the University is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5291]. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/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/.